MANCHESTER (GNP):- Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad, closing the gap to three points as Erling Haaland struck the decisive second-half goal.
During a frantic first half, Kai Havertz charged down Gianluigi Donnarumma‘s kick to equalize for Arsenal just 107 seconds after Rayan Cherki had scored a dazzling solo goal to open the scoring.
Both teams had chances in the second half, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel hitting the post for Arsenal and Haaland also finding the woodwork before the Norwegian striker’s winner in the 65th minute.
Arsenal almost snatched a point late on, but Havertz’s free header from Leandro Trossard‘s header flew over the crossbar in the 95th minute, leaving Mikel Arteta on his knees in the technical area.
There could be even more disappoint ment for the Arsenal boss on the way, with City now in a position to go top of the table when they play Burnley at Turf Moor. — Rob Dawson
Both sides can still win the title on their own terms, but City have all the momentum now.
If Pep Guardiola’s side beat Burnley in their game-in-hand Wednesday, they will go to the top on either goals scored or goal difference, depending on the size of the victory. The change would be by the finest of margins, but the psychological impact on Arsenal of dropping to second place would be huge, the squad having led for so much of the season.
Arsenal finished as runners-up in each of the past three seasons, and falling to second with just five games to go would test their mental reserves. They deserve credit for applying themselves with real conviction here — pressing the ball superbly in the first half — but the sense that the title is slipping away again will be difficult to shake.
