Haaland fires Man City past Arsenal in title race thriller
The decisive goal also ended the Norwegian striker’s two-month league scoring drought.
KATHMANDU: Erling Haaland emerged as the match-winner as Manchester City secured a crucial 2–1 victory over league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, boosting their Premier League title hopes.
In a tense and high-stakes encounter, City regained control in the 65th minute when Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhães to head home a pinpoint cross from Nico O’Reilly.
The decisive goal also ended the Norwegian striker’s two-month league scoring drought.
City had taken an early lead in the 16th minute through Rayan Cherki, but a costly error from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allowed Arsenal to respond almost immediately. Kai Havertz capitalized on a poor clearance to level the score just two minutes later.
Arsenal pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both striking the woodwork. Deep into stoppage time, Havertz came close again, but his header sailed over the crossbar, sealing Arsenal’s fate.
The result leaves Manchester City just three points behind Arsenal in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s side will face Burnley midweek, where a win could see them climb to the top of the table.
In other matches, Liverpool edged past Everton 2–1, while Aston Villa defeated Sunderland 4–3. Nottingham Forest also impressed with a 4–1 win over Burnley.
