Arsenal FC suffered a severe setback in the race for the English Premier League championship. The Gunners lost their catch-up game against defending champions Manchester City 1-3 (1-1) at home. As a result, Arsenal initially had to give up the lead to City, who are now level on points. However, the Londoners still have a game up their sleeve.
Kevin De Bruyne (24th minute), Jack Grealish (72nd) and former Dortmund striker Erling Haaland (82nd), who has already scored his 26th goal of the current season, scored for Pep’s team at London’s Emirates Stadium Guardiola. Earlier, Arsenal were even lucky. After Gabriel fouled Haaland, the referee initially pointed to the point. But after consulting the video assistant, the decision was overturned and the penalty was withdrawn because Haaland had previously been offside.
Arsenal, who are coached by former Guardiola assistant Mikel Arteta, equalized in the meantime to make it 1-1 by Bukayo Saka with a penalty kick (42′). City’s Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson had run over Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah in the penalty area for a penalty.
Manchester City have 51 points after the win, the same as Arsenal. Because of the significantly better goal difference, Guardiola’s team is at the top of the Premier League at least until the weekend. However, the Citizens have already completed 23 games of the season, the Gunners only 22. Arsenal have to go to Aston Villa on Saturday, City plays at Nottingham Forest.
The defeat continues Arsenal’s bad run against Manchester City. The 3-1 defeat was the Gunners’ eleventh defeat by City in the Premier League. The last win for the Londoners was in December 2015.