Manchester City’s supporters rubbed salt in Arsenal’s wounds in the moments after the sides’ Premier League clash by unveiling a brutal banner inside the Etihad Stadium.
On Sunday (April 19), Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Manchester knowing they needed a positive result despite starting the match six points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rayan Cherki’s solo effort opened the scoring in the 16th minute before a lapse in concentration from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma allowed Kai Havertz to equalise just two minutes later.
But the 10-time champions of England went ahead once more, this time through Erling Haaland, who registered his 23rd Premier League goal of the season in the 65th minute, netting what may prove to be a title-winning goal for City.
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Arsenal continued to press, knowing the last 25 minutes may define their season, with the clearest chance falling to Havertz in second-half stoppage time, but the German could only head Leandro Trossard’s wicked cross over the bar — to the delight of the home fans and the despair of the travelling Gunners.
In the moments after the full-time whistle, the mood – aside from in the away section – was jubilant, with joy etched across the faces of those associated with City.
The home supporters then unfurled a banner emblazoned with the words “panic on the streets of London” from The Smiths’ 1987 hit ‘Panic’.
Although Arsenal remain three points clear of City, the writing appears to be on the wall, with Guardiola’s side possessing a game in hand on the north Londoners.
Still, if both teams win all their remaining games, they would finish level on points, with goal difference the potential decider. If goal difference is identical, then goals scored would decide it.
Match-winner Haaland claimed “every game is a final” and did not get carried away in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
“I think every game is a final," he said. "On Wednesday we have a new final. When we are done speaking here, it’s about recovering and preparing for Burnley. That is as important as this one and Chelsea before.”
Bernardo Silva also offered his thoughts, saying: “It’s a long season. A lot of small details didn’t go our way this season. Also unlucky plays — we missed a lot of chances. A lot of games we should have won. Today things went our way. I’m really happy.”
City return to action away at Burnley on April 22, while Arsenal host Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on April 25.
Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Erling Haaland
Luke Davies