Manchester City Edges Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League Title Race Thriller

Manchester City strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race with a crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the table to three points with 12 matches remaining in the season.

Erling Haaland was the hero for the Citizens, scoring both goals in what proved to be a masterclass in clinical finishing. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a trademark run behind the Arsenal defense, latching onto Kevin De Bruyne spectacular through ball before slotting past Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal responded well to going behind, with Bukayo Saka causing constant problems down the right wing for City left-back Josko Gvardiol. The Gunners persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Gabriel Jesus equalized with a clever finish after excellent build-up play from Martin Odegaard and Saka.

Just when it seemed Arsenal had earned a valuable point in the title race, Haaland struck again with 12 minutes remaining. The 25-year-old striker showed incredible composure to control a difficult cross from Riyad Mahrez before firing low into the bottom corner, sending the Etihad Stadium into raptures.

City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his striker performance after the match. Erling was exceptional today. His movement, his finishing, his work rate - everything was perfect. These are the moments that decide title races, and he delivered when we needed him most, Guardiola said in his post-match press conference.

The defeat leaves Arsenal in second place, three points behind City but with a game in hand. Mikel Arteta side will need to maintain their excellent form over the remaining matches while hoping City slip up somewhere along the way. With Liverpool also lurking just five points behind in third place, the Premier League title race remains wide open despite City latest victory.