Erling Haaland goal gives Man City massive win over Arsenal: Recap, highlights

Manchester City defeated Arsenal, 2-1, at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a massive result in the Premier League title race.

The two sides traded goals in a wild two-minute stretch in the first half. Rayan Cherki gave City the lead in the 16th minute with a brilliant individual effort before Kai Havertz leveled just two minutes later thanks to a howler from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But the game was settled in the 65th minute thanks to Erling Haaland, whose goal gave City a vital three points.

Arsenal now leads the Premier League by three points over City, which has a game in hand and could go top with a win over Burnley on Wednesday, April 22.

FINAL: Man City 2-1 Arsenal

That's it! A massive three points for City, which may once again be the favorite for the title.

90+ 5' - Man City 2-1 Arsenal

That was the chance for Arsenal! Trossard whips in a great cross from the right and Havertz has a free header, but directs it just over the bar. Was that the last opportunity for the Gunners?

82' - Man City 2-1 Arsenal

It's all kicking off now! Haaland and Gabriel clash in the center of the pitch and put their heads together. The Arsenal defender aggressively moves his head toward Haaland and is very lucky to get away with a yellow card. If there was any more contact, it probably would have been red.

65' - GOAL MAN CITY: Erling Haaland

After barely having a touch all game, Haaland makes it 2-1! Doku and O'Reilly combine on the left side and the latter's cross goes through two players and reaches the striker, who buries a first-time shot.

62' - Man City 1-1 Arsenal

Eze off the post! How close was that? The Arsenal attacker wraps his left foot around the ball from the top of the box, and it strikes the inside of the post and just creeps out.

60' - Man City 1-1 Arsenal

Huge save Donnarumma! The goalkeeper denies Havertz to make up for his first-half howler. Ødegaard set up the German after a turnover but Donnarumma is fast off his line to make the save.

48' - Man City 1-1 Arsenal

Haaland off the outside of the post! Arsenal can't clear from a corner and a blocked shot goes straight to the striker, who can't put City in front from a tight angle.

46' - Man City 1-1 Arsenal

The second half is underway, with one halftime change. Martinelli comes on for Arsenal to replace Madueke.

HALFTIME - Man City 1-1 Arsenal

That's it for a pulsating first half at the Etihad. A brilliant goal from Cherki was answered by Havertz thanks to a Donnarumma howler just two minutes later. All to play for in the second half.

42' - Man City 1-1 Arsenal

Huge block by Hincapie, who denies Semenyo from close range after more excellent work from Cherki, who is causing real havoc today.

18' - GOAL ARSENAL: Kai Havertz

Oh my goodness! It's an instant reply from Arsenal thanks to a big error from Donnarumma. The City goalkeeper takes way too long on the ball and Havertz blocks his clearance straight into the empty net. It's 1-1.

16' - GOAL MAN CITY: Rayan Cherki

It's a moment of magic from the France international, who collects the ball outside the box and runs directly at the Arsenal defense. He shows great skill and balance to cut past Gabriel before firing a low shot into the corner.

4' - Man City 0-0 Arsenal

City off the post! Cherki almost with an early goal but his close-range shot bounces off Gabriel's chest and hits the far post. City asking for a handball against Gabriel but a VAR check confirms it struck the defender's chest.

Kickoff!

We are underway in the potential title decider.

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing for Arsenal?

Arsenal will be forced to play this season-defining match without star winger Bukayo Saka.

Saka has missed the last four matches for Arsenal as he deals with an Achilles problem.

Earlier in the week, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the injury was “something he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue. There is progression, but hopefully (he will be back in) days not weeks.”

Pre-game scenes

Arsenal team news vs. Man City

With Bukayo Saka out injured, the Gunners get a boost with Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke both fit enough to start.

However, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori both miss the squad with injuries.

Man City lineup vs. Arsenal

Arsenal lineup vs. Man City

Manchester City vs. Arsenal channel, start time, streaming

• When: Sunday, April 19
• Where: Etihad Stadium (Manchester, England)
• Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
• Channel/streaming: Peacock (WATCH HERE), NBC, Telemundo

Premier League standings

If you are looking for betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of OddsWire.

Manchester City vs. Arsenal game odds

Manchester City vs. Arsenal prediction, pick

City has all the pressure to get the full points and make the title race interesting. With Arsenal struggling recently, Guardiola's side gets it done at home to set up a fun finish to the end of the season.

Prediction: Manchester City 3, Arsenal 1