Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal result - Erling Haaland nets winner as Pep Guardiola’s men ignite Premier League title race

Erling Haaland grabbed the winner as Manchester City blew the title race wide open with a 2-1 victory over leaders Arsenal in a heavyweight Etihad Stadium showdown.

The hosts hit the post early on through Rayan Cherki, but the Frenchman was celebrating just past the 15-minute mark when his sublime solo run ended with a low finish into the far corner.

City’s joy turned to dismay just 107 seconds later when goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heavy touch allowed Kai Havertz to block home a fortunate equaliser.

Arsenal were under the cosh following the restart, but should have claimed the lead on the hour when first Havertz was denied by Donnarumma before Eberechi Eze crashed a stonking effort against the post.

It proved to be significant, as Haaland polished off a brilliant City move involving Jeremy Doku and the impressive Nico O’Reilly to restore their advantage in the 65th minute.

Gabriel saw a deflected header come back off the post as the away side pushed for another equaliser before Havertz flashed a header over the crossbar to waste a big chance right at the death.

The result sees Pep Guardiola’s men move to within three points of The Gunners with a game in hand. The Cityzens can now move top of the table if they win at Burnley on Wednesday night.  

Arsenal, who have now lost their last four domestic matches in all competitions, must regroup ahead of a home encounter with Newcastle United on Saturday.  

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"City are on the right track and it's a very difficult train to stop right now," said former England defender Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

"If you are Arsenal, [you're up against] serial winners, serial champions doing what they do, coming out on top in big, big matches.

"Arsenal haven't frozen here today, they haven't played badly, but it's still not enough. City just went up a gear.

"I have to say Bernardo Silva was absolutely incredible."

Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal.

Ake on for Semenyo.

Havertz bullets a header over the bar from Trossard's superb right-wing cross.

The German simply had to score there - or at the very least hit the target.

Arsenal have two up top and are throwing bodies into the attack.

The visitors have a corner on the left...

Arsenal are pushing and probing. It's nervy moments at the back there for the home team.

Seven minutes added.

Rodri appears to have picked up a problem. He is replaced by Gonzalez.

Savinho also comes on for Doku.

Martín Zubimendi off, Gyokeres on.

Meanwhile, Guardiola was booked for his reaction to the Gabriel-Haaland incident. The City boss felt it was a clear red card.

Phil Foden on for Cherki.

The Arsenal defender has been locked in a real tussle with Haaland and takes a ride on the forward.

The referee gives a free kick to City but the two players go head-to-head, literally.

Gabriel blinks first and bows his head in a headbutting motion.

The referee opts to book both - but the Arsenal man was definitely the aggressor there.

Arsenal hit back in the first half but they are running out of time to manufacture a second response here.

It looks like Arteta is turning to Gyokeres...

It's not a goal for the Portuguese playmaker, but for his defensive contribution as he races back to thwart Havertz as last man.

Arsenal almost caught City cold with a long ball down the middle, but Silva was having none of it.

Trossard and White on.

Eze and Mosquera off.

Gabrile meets a left-wing free kick but his header hits O'Reilly and flashes against the post.

City just about survive the follow-up...

Man City will move to within three points of leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand.

The Cityzens play that at Burnley in midweek - and would go top with a victory there....

Still time for Arsenal to change this scenario, however...