Erling Haaland powers through for Manchester City as they beat Arsenal 2-1 to blow the Premier League title race open with one game at hand.
The win is a major boost for City as they could go top of the Premier League table if they claim three points in their game at hand.
The scene at the Etihad Stadium was one to behold during Manchester City and Arsenal clash which had everything at stake.
David Raya almost gifted City an early lead following a blunder he committed in the 4th minute of play.
Nico O’Reilly created a goal scoring opportunity for Erling Haaland in the 5th minute which was blocked by Gabriel.
Rayan Cherki also had an attempt which was blocked by Gabriel. Abdukodir Khusanov did a blunder but damaging happened from the situation.
Cristhian Mosquera saw his 7th minute header go wide after receiving a corner kick delivery from Declan Rice.
It was Manchester City who were dominant with 71 percent possession of the ball, while Arsenal had 29% and struggling.
The first 10 minutes favored City, but they failed to break the deadlock. Rayan Cherki broke the deadlock with a right foot strike in the 16th minute.
Matheus Nunes was created with the assist as City were 1-0 ahead. Kai Havertz leveled things 1-1 in the 18th minute due Gianluigi Donnarumma bad execution.
It was all back to level terms after the error from City goalkeeper which saw the Gunners making sure they convert to get themselves back in the match.
Piero Hincapie lost the ball in the 20th minute, but no damage happened thanks to David Raya who came out to make a save.
Erling Haaland tried to score from outside the penalty box, but this shot was nowhere near target in the 28th minute.
Rayan Cherki corner kick delivery met Erling Haaland who failed to restore Manchester City lead after his header missed target in the 33rd minute.
Cristhian Mosquera was booked in the 36th minute after several committed fouls in the match. The first half ended with both teams on level terms.
Mikel Arteta decided to make an early change which saw him replaced Noni Madueke with Gabriel Martinelli in the 46th minute.
Abdukodir Khusanov almost restored City lead, but his shot is hacked off the goal line by Cristhian Mosquera in the 49th minute.
Erling Haaland had a strike on the ball which hits the post and went out of play for a goal kick. Kai Havertz missed a sitter which could have made it 1-2 for Arsenal in the 60th minute.
Marc Guehi received a cautioned in the 60th minute after stopping a counter. Eberechi Eze smashed a long range shot which bounces off the woodwork in the 61st minute.
Erling Haaland scored in the 65th minute to give Manchester City a 2-1 lead as play continued. It was all about the home side City who kept more of the ball possession as they approached 70 minutes mark.
Gabriel came close for Arsenal in the 73rd minute, but his header towards goal was blocked by Nico O’Reilly.
Cristhian Mosquera was replaced by Ben White, while Eberechi Eze was replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 74th minute.
Play was stopped on the 83rd minute after Gabriel pulled Erling Haaland by his shirt which led to pushing and shouting at each other.
The referee had to caution players who were involved for unsportsmanlike conduct. Pep Guardiola was also cautioned for dissent in the 84th minute.
Martin Zubimendi was replaced by Viktor Gyoekeres, as Rayan Cherki was replaced by Phil Foden in the 85th minute of play.
The official signaled for 7 minutes of stoppage time between both teams after they hit 90 minutes with the scoreline staying 2-1.
Kai Havertz saw his header skimmed close over the crossbar in the 5th additional minute of play. Pep Guardiola had to make a late change which saw Antoine Semenyo being replaced by Nathan.
Manchester City stayed dominant until the end which saw them beat Arsenal 2-1 to blow open the Premier League title race.
The final result put Manchester City in poll position to win the Premier League title with a game at hand which they need to win to move top.
For Arsenal, they will need a miracle if they will stand any chance of recovering from the loss of this match which could mean game over for the League title.
Despite the result, Martin Odegaard is not ruling out Arsenal winning the Premier League title this season. Odegaard reacted:“The title hasn’t been decided”.
“There is everything to play for. We are going to be up for it, we are going to be ready for it”.
Manchester City have all the advantage they need with their one game which they will do everything to win and move ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.
