The victory over Arsenal brought Manchester City to within three points of their rivals, with one game in hand. "This gives us hope," manager Pep Guardiola said after the match. "I told the players to enjoy this moment but not to lose focus, because we still have three or 4 long weeks ahead."

At the Etihad Stadium on 19/4, both teams engaged in an end-to-end battle, trading blows. Rayan Cherki's superb opening goal in the 16th minute was quickly canceled out by Kai Havertz, who blocked Gianluigi Donnarumma's clearance, before Erling Haaland sealed the victory with a close-range finish in the second half. Following the match, Guardiola praised the opposition, stating that Arsenal played well and together with Man City, created a great advertisement for football worldwide.

Manager Guardiola celebrates the victory after Manchester City's match against Arsenal in the 33rd round of the Premier League, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 19/4. Photo: Reuters

Manager Guardiola celebrates the victory after Manchester City's match against Arsenal in the 33rd round of the Premier League, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 19/4. Photo: Reuters

"Everyone says we have momentum, but when you look at how Arsenal plays, they are a phenomenal team," Guardiola added, having defeated Arsenal for the second time in one month. The previous encounter was the League Cup final. "Otherwise, you cannot lead the Premier League all season and remain unbeaten in the Champions League. Beating them once is difficult, let alone twice. Who is leading the league? Not us. Their goal difference is also better. But of course, we have hope and still have a chance to fight until the end." Arsenal's goal difference is +37, while Manchester City's is +36. City will have an opportunity to improve this when they visit second-to-last Burnley on Wednesday.

Manchester City's remaining 5 matches are: Everton (away), Brentford (home), Bournemouth (away), then Crystal Palace and Aston Villa (both home).

Arsenal's next match is against Newcastle at home on Saturday, followed by Fulham (home), West Ham (away), Burnley (home), and Crystal Palace (away).

The crucial match on 19/4 saw Haaland engage in fierce, continuous clashes with center-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who was arguably fortunate not to be sent off after a headbutt on the Norwegian striker. Haaland commented on the incident: "If I fell — which I will not do unless I am truly attacked — maybe it would have been a red card. But it is what it is. From now on, every game is a final. We need to focus, stay humble, and look forward to the next match."

Haaland, who once told Arsenal to "be humble" after a draw last season, did not hide his delight with the decisive goal after overcoming Gabriel in the second half. "I am quite happy. It was a great moment for me and a big win," Haaland said after the match. "It is always like that, many clashes with Gabriel. I scored and won in that decisive moment. As for whether I won the overall duel, I will let others judge."

Vy Anh