MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 ARSENAL: Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland were on target for Pep Guardiola's side while Kai Havertz's goal wasn't enough for the Gunners
Erling Haaland celebrates
Haaland scored the winner for Man City(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Manchester City have kept the title in their own hands by beating Arsenal to move within three points of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.
Erling Haaland's second-half strike proved the difference in a clash that could prove pivotal at the end of the season.
City took the lead through Rayan Cherki in the first period. The Frenchman showed wonderful agility to jink past several Arsenal defenders before calmly slotting past David Raya.
But the Gunners hit back almost immediately as Kai Havertz closed down Gianluigi Donnarumma in the City goal and blocked his clearance to see the ball loop into the goal in a moment to forget for the Italian shot-stopper.
Haaland had the final say, finishing from close range to set up a grandstand finish to the Premier League season.
Here's how the two sides rated at the Etihad...
Manchester City
By Jeremy Cross
His first half howler gifted Arsenal a way back into the game. But redeemed himself with a world class save later on.
Did well in defence, but failed to impose himself going forward.
Barely put a foot wrong and is maturing into one of best defenders in Premier League.
Another commanding display from someone whose consistency is remarkable.
Has turning into one of the best and most versatile left footed players in English football.
Worked hard, but a quiet game by his incredibly high standards.
Rayan Cherki scores
Rayan Cherki danced through Arsenal's defence(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The glue that held his side together. The calm amidst the storm.
Threatened to turn the Arseal defence inside out at times. Not enough end product though.
Dynamite from start to finish. Terrorised Arsenal and scored a sublime goal.
Flitted in and out of the game. Slipped at a crucial moment with Arsenal goal at his mercy.
Did little throughout the game, then popped up with the winning goal from nowhere.
Arsenal
By John Cross
Gave Arsenal an early scare but not much he could do on either goal.
Booked. Did a decent job until he got a yellow card and then looked vulnerable.
Commanding display. Calm in possession, held the defence together. Solid.
Huge ding-dong battle with Erling Haaland but ultimately City striker won.
Made a sensational block to thwart Semenyo. Solid defensively.
Was excellent as he covered every blade of grass and unlucky to lose.
You could not fault his effort but could not find telling passes.
Kai Havertz celebrates
Kai Havertz's goal wasn't enough(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
He was better than in recent weeks but got hooked at half time.
It was a big call to start the fit-again captain. His work rate justified his inclusion.
Started on the left of midfield and did so well. Nearly scored a cracker.
Scored but missed a great late chance to snatch it for Arsenal.
Content Image
Content Image