Manchester City Edges Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League Title Race Thriller

Erling Haaland scored a dramatic 89th-minute winner as Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, delivering a crucial blow in the Premier League title race and cutting the Gunners' lead at the top to just two points.

The Norwegian striker, who had been relatively quiet for most of the match, rose highest to meet Kevin De Bruyne's perfectly weighted cross and head home what could prove to be a title-defining goal. The Etihad Stadium erupted as City players mobbed their star striker in front of the traveling supporters.

"These are the moments that win titles," said City manager Pep Guardiola. "Erling showed his quality when it mattered most. We never stopped believing, even when we were behind."

Arsenal had taken the lead through Gabriel Martinelli's clever finish in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Ederson. The Brazilian winger rounded the goalkeeper with ease and slotted into an empty net to send the home crowd into raptures.

City responded just before halftime when Bernardo Silva equalized with a curling effort from the edge of the box, after Arsenal failed to clear a corner kick properly. The Portuguese midfielder's shot took a slight deflection off William Saliba, wrong-footing David Raya in the Arsenal goal.

The second half was a tactical battle with both teams creating half-chances, but it was Haaland who had the final word. With 11 games remaining, the title race has been blown wide open, with City now just two points behind Arsenal and possessing superior goal difference. The psychological advantage may have shifted to the defending champions, who have shown once again why they are so difficult to stop in the business end of the season.