Guwahati: Champions In exciting fashion, Manchester City defeated rival Arsenal 3-1 on Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League to retake the top spot. The advantage held by the defending champions is slim, though, as Arsenal still has a game remaining.
After Arsenal held the top spot for a while, Manchester City has surpassed them on goal differential. However, the Gunners’ recent decline in play and unfavourable results gave City the opportunity to seize and reduce the deficit.
After a 1-1 first half that saw Bukayo Saka score from the penalty spot in the final seconds of the half, Erling Haaland’s 26th goal of the season and another from Jack Grealish in the 72nd minute secured the three points for Pep Guadiola’s team.
The referee gave Arsenal a penalty, after determining that City goalkeeper Ederson had fouled Eddie Nketiah giving them a chance to reverse Kevin De Bruyne’s first-half goal from the 24th minute. De Bruyne beat Aaron Ramsdale with a first-time finish after receiving a poor backpass from Takehiro Tomiyasu.
After being tied at the break, City took control, taking advantage of errors by Arsenal to put the game beyond their reach. Thomas Partey was injured, and Arsenal’s absence was ruthlessly exposed by City as they gained ground in the title race.
The Cityzens’ fate was sealed in spectacular manner by Jack Grealish in the 72nd minute and the Norwegian goal machine Haaland 10 minutes later, guaranteeing that they went to the top. Haaland deftly controlled a cutback from De Bruyne to score the ball for the 26th time this season.
As a result of Arsenal losing their third straight game, City was able to close the gap. After the Premier League accused Manchester City of financial embezzlement, the team appears to have undergone a complete makeover, and Pep Guardiola is doing everything in his power to defend both his team and the owners.