Manchester City reignited their Premier League title hopes with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, moving within three points of the leaders with a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s side now have momentum firmly in their favour, while Arsenal’s bid to end a 22-year wait for the title is beginning to unravel following a poor run of form.
After defeat to City in the League Cup final last month, Mikel Arteta’s men have managed just one win in six matches across all competitions, including four consecutive domestic defeats.
City took the lead through Rayan Cherki, whose brilliant solo effort broke the deadlock after weaving past challenges to finish calmly.
Arsenal were gifted a route back into the contest when Gianluigi Donnarumma’s attempted clearance was charged down by Kai Havertz, resulting in an equaliser.
However, the hosts’ attacking quality proved decisive. Erling Haaland struck the winner with 25 minutes remaining, muscling past Gabriel Magalhaes to convert Nico O’Reilly’s cross for his 34th goal of the season.
Arsenal will rue missed opportunities, having struck the woodwork multiple times. Martin Odegaard was denied by a goal-line clearance from Matheus Nunes, while Eberechi Eze saw his effort come off the post and roll agonisingly along the line.
Despite late pressure, including a stoppage-time header from Havertz that went over, Arsenal could not find an equaliser.
Victory for City means a win over Burnley in midweek would take them top of the table for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal, who have finished runners-up in each of the last three campaigns, face the prospect of another title challenge slipping away despite having a favourable run-in on paper.
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