Manchester City took their place in the Premier League title race with a 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday thanks to Erling Haaland’s second-half winning goal. Haaland scored his league-leading 23rd goal of the season in the 65th minute, closing the gap on long-time leaders Arsenal to three points. City face Burnley on Wednesday, after which Pep Guardiola’s side could take the lead.
Rayan Cherki put City ahead in the 16th minute of a frenetic match at the Etihad Stadium, breaking into the area and firing a shot that hit the inside of the post.
Arsenal equalized within two minutes when Kai Havertz pounced on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s clearance and the ball found the net from close range.
Haaland and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze both hit the target before Haaland curled in a low shot from Nico O’Reilly’s cross, dealing a huge blow to Arsenal’s hopes of winning the league for the first time since 2004.
City are expected to beat Burnley, but face a tougher challenge than Arsenal, which also includes trips to Everton and Bournemouth.
Unlike City, who are unbeaten in 10 league games, Arsenal are struggling for form, having lost four of their last six games in all competitions, including the last two league games.
Mikel Arteta’s side also have to find balance with playing in the Champions League after reaching the semi-finals.
