Manchester: Manchester City are now the 4-6 favourites to clinch the Premier League title after a crucial 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in a match featuring the top two teams, APA reports. Despite trailing Arsenal by three points, City holds a game in hand, shifting the dynamics of the title race.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Rayan Cherki initiated the scoring for Manchester City with a remarkable strike just 16 minutes into the match. Arsenal quickly responded, leveling the game just 107 seconds later when Kai Havertz capitalized on a clearance error by Gianluigi Donnarumma, resulting in a goal. Donnarumma later redeemed himself with a crucial save against Gabriel Martinelli at the hour mark, and City’s fortunes continued as Eberechi Eze’s shot hit the post shortly after.
Erling Haaland emerged as the decisive figure once again, scoring his 23rd goal of the season to secure the win for City. Should Manchester City triumph over Burnley on Wednesday, they will surpass Arsenal at the top of the table on goal difference. This outcome could also lead to Burnley’s relegation if West Ham avoids losing to Crystal Palace.
In other matches, Nottingham Forest secured a 4-1 victory against Burnley with a hat-trick from Morgan Gibbs-White. This win places Forest five points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham with five games remaining. Aston Villa and Liverpool also registered significant wins in the race for Champions League qualification. Tammy Abraham scored a stoppage-time winner for Villa in a 4-3 win over Sunderland, while Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute goal handed Liverpool a 2-1 victory in the Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.