Erling Haaland taunts Arsenal after Man City’s crucial title race win | OneFootball

Erling Haaland wasted no time in highlighting Arsenal’s past title shortcomings after his decisive goal propelled Manchester City to a crucial 2-1 victory over their rivals on Sunday.

The Norwegian striker’s second-half winner at the Etihad Stadium slashed the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League to just three points.

With a game in hand and significant momentum, City now stand poised to overtake the long-time leaders should they secure a win against struggling Burnley on Wednesday.

Haaland, while acknowledging Arsenal as the standout team of the campaign, underscored City’s determination to deny them a first league crown since 2004.

When asked if City had managed to get into Arsenal’s heads, Haaland responded: "I don’t know, you need to ask them. The last seasons they’ve come up short. For now they are first and they are still there, they’ve been the best team of the season.

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Man City have closed the gap to just three points and have a game in hand (PA Wire)

“I don’t want to speak too much about them because they are an amazing team and we should focus on ourselves."

He added: "We know exactly the situation. We’re still second, we play on Wednesday. There are a few of us who have been in this situation before, (as well as) a lot of new (players). It’s about staying calm and thinking about what you can do."

Haaland’s 65th-minute strike ultimately settled a compelling encounter, coming after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error allowed Kai Havertz to cancel out Rayan Cherki’s brilliant opener.

Haaland also hit the post, but Arsenal had their own clear opportunities, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel striking the woodwork, and Havertz missing a late chance.

The defeat marked Arsenal’s second in a row, a stark contrast to the situation last month when City’s 1-1 draw at West Ham left them nine points adrift.

Haaland reflected on that period, stating: "After West Ham, everybody wrote that it was over. That was the feeling."

He continued: "It’s boring but you have to focus game by game. Enjoy this but now you need to start thinking about (Burnley). That’s the reality of this club in this title race, because the last weeks is when things get decided."

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Tempers frayed between Arsenal’s Gabriel (left) and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

The match also saw Haaland involved in a heated exchange with Arsenal defender Gabriel, which threatened to escalate in the closing stages. Both players received bookings for pushing, though Haaland suggested Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card for an apparent headbutt.

"I think that is a red card. If I go down, it’s a red card but I would never do this. My father taught me this, ‘stay on your feet and don’t be a…’ – it starts with P," Haaland recounted.

"That’s the reality. Maybe yes I should have gone down, maybe it would be easier, but I didn’t and I got a yellow card for it.

“It’s wrestling here and there. A lot of duels, a lot of scratches. Sometimes my missus is not so happy about this, it looks a bit wrong! But that’s the reality."