« I won the battle » – Erling Haaland defeats Gabriel and Arsenal

Gift for Erling Haaland’s second half winner Manchester City massive elevator in Premier League title battle as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Ryan Czerki’s stunning opener gave City an early lead, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s roar saw the ball fly past Kai Havertz to level Arsenal moments later.

Haaland then settled the problem in the 65th minute, finishing clinically to give City a victory that could yet prove decisive in the title race.

City reach 64 points for the season, three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

Haaland enjoys the fight with Gabriel

Haaland was at the center of the action all afternoon, trading blows with Arsenal’s Gabriel in a contest the Norwegian felt he eventually won.

« I was very happy, I have to be honest. It was a great moment for me and a great win, » he said.

« I think it’s always like that, a lot of battle and things like that. It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I won the battle at that moment, it was a great goal, it was a decisive moment and we win. »

Haaland also raised eyebrows with his comments about Gabriel’s booking, suggesting the defender may have only got away with a yellow card for his own refusal to go to ground.

« I think if I go to the floor, which I won’t do unless someone really tackles me, maybe it will be a red card. I’m not sure. But that’s it, I’m not going to go to the floor. A yellow card for me, I’m not sure why, it comes in my face. But that’s it. »

Bernardo Silva: Game on

Captain Bernardo Silva was measured but clearly aware of what victory could mean, especially with City’s game in hand now making the numbers very real.

« Very big because it puts us in a position, if we win our game in hand, to be on the same points. Two weeks ago it didn’t look very likely, that scenario. I’m happy we can be on the same points, » he said.

Silva also praised Haaland’s relentless performance against two physical centre-backs.

« Erling was fantastic today, fighting for every ball. It’s not easy against two strong centre-backs. He fought like an animal today. »

And for the outgoing captain, who has confirmed this is his final season at the club, the emotion of the occasion was not lost.

« I made the decision a long time ago, so it was emotional all season because I knew my decision. I just want to finish on a good note with trophies. I’m giving my all for this club until the end. »

Arteta: The Premier League is back on

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to panic, pointing to his side’s missed chances as the real difference, not something City did.

« At the end of the day, this is the result we came to win. We did a lot of things right to take the game where we wanted. We had the best chances of the game but we didn’t take them and that’s the reality, » he said.

Gabriel’s header hit the post late in the game and Havertz headed home a superb chance in the dying minutes, underscoring Arteta’s frustration with his side’s finish.

Arteta emphasized that the battle for the title is far from over.

« The Premier League is almost back on. They’ve got a game in hand, we’re three points ahead, five games to play, so it’s game on. »

Martin Odegaard, who returned from injury, reiterated his defiance of his manager despite the disappointment of leaving Manchester empty-handed.

« Disappointed we didn’t win. Obviously we wanted to get a result and we were really ready for it today. We played a good game, we pressed really well.

« Especially in the second half we looked dangerous, big moments in front of goal. Small reserves to decide a game like this and we weren’t sharp enough in front of goal and so we go home with nothing. »

Asked if he still believed Arsenal could win the title, Odegaard’s answer was simple: « Of course. »