Manchester City swung the Premier League title race in its favor by beating Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday thanks to a second-half winner by Erling Haaland. Haaland’s league-leading 23rd goal of the campaign in the 65th minute allowed City to trim the gap to Arsenal, the long-time frontrunner, to three points. City has a game in hand at Burnley on Wednesday, after which Pep Guardiola’s team could have taken over as leaders.
Rayan Cherki gave City the lead in the 16th minute of a frenetic match at Etihad Stadium by weaving into the area and converting a shot in off the inside of the post.
Arsenal was back level inside two minutes after Kai Havertz charged down Gianluigi Donnarumma’s clearance, with the ball rebounding into the net from close range.
Both Haaland and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze struck the goal frame before Haaland slotted home a low shot from Nico O’Reilly’s cross, dealing a huge blow to Arsenal’s hopes of a first league championship since 2004.
City is expected to beat Burnley, but has a tougher run-in than Arsenal that includes trips to Everton and Bournemouth.
Unlike City, which is unbeaten in 10 league games, Arsenal is struggling for form, having lost four of its last six games in all competitions – including its last two in the league.
Mikel Arteta’s team also has to balance playing in the Champions League after reaching the semifinals.
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