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.
