Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Rayan Cherki and Kai Havertz both scored in a frantic two-minute period early in the first half before Erling Haaland struck the decisive goal in the 65th minute.
The result leaves City just three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, putting them in a strong position ahead of the final stretch.
Sunday’s showdown also saw controversy as Gabriel pushed his head into Erling Haaland’s face following a clash over the ball but escaped with only a yellow card.
Arteta backs Arsenal belief
“There was a battle, intensity – you expect that,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after the loss.
“Part of the game had a lot of similarities with the first 28 minutes of the [Carabao Cup] final. We had two massive chances to go ahead, but we didn’t. That changes the course of the game.
“We take it game by game. We had very good moments a few days ago in the Champions League against Sporting.
“We are playing so many games. We are the only team that’s playing, playing, playing and playing, but the positive thing is we have seen the level.
“We can cope with that, and not just that but do even better. There are five games to go, but we’re going to give a real go for it.
“We have full belief we can do it. We have shown the team that we are. It’s still in our hands, and it’s there for the taking.”

Guardiola calls for focus
City manager Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, said: “It’s a good advert for the Premier League.
“They don’t allow you to go through your process – they are so aggressive, good in the duels, one of the most competitive teams I ever faced in my career in terms of duels, 1v1, long balls.
“We had momentum, they had momentum. We had chances, they had chances. In the end, it’s the fine margins.
“Two teams with really top managers and top, top players from both sides. But the reality is just one thing: they are top of the league. One ahead on goal difference.
“We have to enjoy it, celebrate it, take the good things. But don’t lose the focus. On Wednesday, we go to Burnley.”
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Odegaard focuses on positives
“We have to keep going,” Gunners captain Martin Odegaard admitted post-match.
“It was always going to go all the way to the end so we have to keep going, keep working hard and sticking together.
“We just look forward to the next game now and bounce back. We created a few big, big chances so there are some positives to take.
“It is frustrating at the moment but we’ll analyse it, move onto the next one and it’s all to play for. This is the best part of the season so we will just look forward to the next game.”
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Haaland on Gabriel’s headbutt
When asked about his confrontation with Gabriel, Haaland stated: “I think it’s a red card. I think most agree with me.
“If I go down like any other guy, it’s a red card. It’s not something I would do. My father taught me to stay on your feet.
“That’s the reality. Should I have gone down? Maybe. Then it would’ve been easier. But I didn’t and I got a yellow card. I don’t know why.”
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