Arsenal did NOT bottle it at the Etihad - but title is now Man City's to lose

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In the big moments, Manchester City took their chances and Arsenal missed theirs. Erling Haaland smashed home the winner at the Etihad and, ultimately, it could be the goal which decides the whole season.

Arsenal hit the woodwork twice and then Kai Havertz headed over a glorious chance in the 95th minute which could have snatched a point at the death.

That is the difference between champions and nearly men. It is why City are now in pole position and will probably go on to win the seventh title of Pep Guardiola’s glorious reign. It would be his fifth in six years.

City certainly celebrated like it at the final whistle. The Sky cameras panned round to City fans holding up fake Arsenal branded water bottles. There was a huge City banner which used a line from The Smiths’ classic: “Panic on the streets of London.”

But, in fairness, Arsenal did not bottle it this time. In fact, they showed up, gave it everything and, for the first time in weeks, played with some freedom, courage and determination.

However, they lost to a team with winning know-how, experience and a huge mentality. From nine points behind in the race, City could now move ahead of Arsenal at the top on goal difference if they win their game in hand at Burnley on Wednesday.

Then it will be a straight shoot-out for the last five games between Arsenal and City and it feels as if Guardiola’s men have got the bit between their teeth.

Haaland was the killer. Rayan Cherki was outstanding and the best player on the pitch and even keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made amends for his first half howler which gifted Havertz a goal.

That is the difference. But it was also a fabulous game of football. So many times title deciders and top-of-the-table clashes do not live up to the billing. But this one did.

It was a fabulous advert for the Premier League. It was fast, action-packed and even had a mass brawl at the end when Gabriel and Haaland went head-to-head.

That was probably the defining battle of the game. Gabriel grappled, he tore a part of Haaland’s shirt and yet ultimately the City striker found himself enough space to fire the winning goal.

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City have not done it yet but this felt like an almighty step. And the wider question will be whether Mikel Arteta can come back again if they do finish runners-up for a fourth time in a row.

You could sense some Arsenal nerves early on. Keeper David Raya got caught in possession by Haaland. Cherki’s shot hit the post after being deflected off the top Gabriel’s arm. This one was never going to be goalless draw.

Cherki was sensational. It was his amazing dribble, a wonderful slalom run into the box which took him past Gabriel and Declan Rice before he fired in off the inside of the far post after 16 minutes.

But two minutes later, Arsenal were level. Donnarumma, not the best with the ball at his feet, was closed down by Havertz and his block ended up diverting the ball into the net. Game on.

Arsenal’s big moments came after half time. Eberechi Eze led a break, Martin Odegaard played in Havertz and his shot was brilliantly blocked by Donnarumma who redeemed himself. Eze then produced a wonderful piece of skill before his shot hit the post.

But while Arsenal did not take their chances, City were just ruthless. Nico O’Reilly led the charge and it was his low cross which just evaded Rodri but there was Haaland at the back post. The City striker held off Gabriel and fired into the far corner.

Right at the death, Havertz headed over from Leandro Trossard’s cross. That moment was probably the title right there. Arsenal could not take it while City emerged victorious.

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