Manchester City defeated league leaders Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to move three points behind the Gunners in the fight for the Premier League title.

It was Rayan Cherki who opened the scoring for Manchester City 16 minutes into the high-profile match after driving the ball into the box before firing a low shot past goalkeeper David Raya.

However, the advantage only lasted two minutes following an error by Gianluigi Donnarumma that allowed Kai Havertz to lunge and send the ball into an open net to equalise for the Gunners. 

Arsenal almost took the lead on the one hour mark through Eberechi Eze but his low strike outside the 18-yard-box struck the goalpost. 

Four minutes later, the hosts regained their lead through Erling Haaland who fired home a cross into the box, which eventually secured the massive three points for City. 

The victory handed City a huge advantage in the fight for the title as the Citizens can go level on points with Arsenal if they win their outstanding match against Crystal Palace. 

Speaking after the match, Guardiola said “It was OK. Enjoying I don’t think is the right word. It’s fine. Hope. That game gives us hope. That’s all. But that’s what I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose focus right now.”

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta expressed optimism about Arsenal’s chances of winning the title, stating “I believe today, I believe on Wednesday, a week ago, because I see them every day. I know the level we have. Everything is still to play for, we know how much we want it. We are not going to stop.”