Monday 6 November 2017 12:52, UK
Fernandinho believes Manchester City's victory over Arsenal on Sunday could prove crucial in their attempts to win the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola's side outclassed one of their top-six rivals as they won 3-1 at the Etihad in a contentious top-flight contest.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger was unhappy with two of City's goals, with the Frenchman accusing Raheem Sterling of diving to win the penalty that led to their second which was scored by Sergio Aguero.
Wenger also thought David Silva and goalscorer Gabriel Jesus were offside in the build-up to the third goal although the home side, who took an early lead through Kevin De Bruyne, were impressive as they sealed a victory that lifted them eight points clear at the top of the table.
Brazil midfielder Fernandinho said: "Without a shadow of a doubt it was an important victory for us and we're on the top of the league for the international break.
"We weren't able to construct our game as usual, so we had to try long passes, but even so we could create chances in the first half.
"In the second half we were winning, so they had to come more offensive and we had more spaces to play. Since we have fast players, we were able to score two more goals.
"From last season, we've now found a good balance. Personally, I'm happy because the team is playing well, winning games and I'm contributing in a good way both on defence and attack."
