Man City beat Arsenal to cut lead to three points

Manchester City closed in ominously on Premier League leaders Arsenal with victory in a thrilling encounter at Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland’s second-half strike proved decisive on an afternoon of gripping tension to leave City only three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

In a game where both sides created big opportunities, Rayan Cherki, who had already hit a post, showed supreme footwork and skill in a tight penalty area to put City ahead.

Arsenal equalised only 107 seconds later when City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma hesitated before striking a panic-stricken clearance in off the incoming Kai Havertz.

Haaland struck a post for City after the break, while Eberechi Eze did likewise and Donnarumma saved crucially from Havertz before Haaland swooped in trademark fashion from close range to put Pep Guardiola’s side back in front.

Defender Gabriel saw a header deflected on to a post as Arsenal tried to respond, with Havertz missing a glorious headed chance before City closed out a win as they continue to reel in the Gunners.