Pep Guardiola loves April and this showing demonstrated exactly why – his side have now won 29 of their past 32 matches in this particular month and last lost five years ago.
While City were not at their best in the opening 45 minutes, the second-half display will turn up the heat on a faltering Arsenal side who are under increasing pressure and know their rivals come on strong during the latter part of the campaign.
"Are you watching Arsenal?" was the chant from City's travelling supporters, who have seen their side claw back deficits in the past to lift the trophy in May – and now look ominously poised to do so this time around.
They possess the magical Rayan Cherki in their ranks, who can fashion a chance out of nothing, and the 22-year-old created the first two goals to take his tally to 10 assists for the season, the second-most behind Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes.
City had drawn their previous two league matches after taking the lead but there was no repeat on this occasion, punishing hapless Chelsea for a fifth win at Stamford Bridge in their past six league visits.
While City now have a week off, Arsenal play the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting on Wednesday, before turning attentions to next Sunday's massive match at Etihad Stadium.
The result in that contest could have a significant bearing on the destiny of this season's title.
