1 hour ago
2
Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday to close within three points of the Gunners at the top and here's what you might have missed from the Etihad Stadium
The sounds of the Manchester City fans drifted long into the Etihad evening after the Blues beat Arsenal 2-1 to blow the Premier League title race wide open.
City are now within three points of the Gunners at the top of the table and will replace Mikel Arteta's side at the summit on goal difference should they beat Championship-bound Burnley on Wednesday night.
We are now into the final few weeks of a compelling campaign and the two teams can barely be separated but it is City with the momentum. The outcome of Sunday's game was always going to be significant if not decisive and Pep Guardiola's side will now hope to build on their second win over Arsenal in a matter of weeks following victory in the Carabao Cup final.
The Blues will go again in midweek at Turf Moor but Sunday's victory was a huge moment in the season. Here are the moments you might have missed.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
Donnarumma delight
The City 'keeper was at fault for Arsenal's opener after taking a heavy touch and perhaps not realising quite how quickly Kai Havertz was closing him down. His attempted pass flew into the net off the Arsenal striker and suddenly City were level again having only just gone in front thanks to Rayan Cherki's superb opener.
Donnarumma was distraught and looked edgy in possession for the rest of the first half. As he took his place in goal at the start of the second period he apologised to the fans behind the goal and come full time he was in among them having marked the final whistle with a lunging dive into the supporters.
The Italian had made a huge save in the second half to deny Havertz and played his part in City's winner with an accurate throw out to Nico O'Reilly. As he celebrated at full time, Donnarumma's redemption arc was complete.
Haaland smirk
The striker had enjoyed something of a royal rumble with Gabriel throughout the 90 minutes but it was the City man who prevailed. The Arsenal defender was very fortunate not to be sent off when moving his head into Haaland's face during a second half altercation, while the Norwegian scored the winning goal to propel the Blues right back into the title race.
At full time the Norwegian lapped up the adulation of the crowd. He was captured on camera signing 'Oh, oh, sometimes, I get a good feeling' and gave the camera a side eye look that was lapped up by City fans. He then proceeded to take his shirt off for the lap of honour, something Gabriel had arguably been trying to do for much of the match.
Bernardo love
In the first game since the City skipper announced he would be leaving the club this summer, Bernardo produced a masterful performance. He was industrious, energetic, inspirational and more as he helped his side to a vital victory.
He might often go under the radar, he certainly does away from the Etihad, but his performance against the Gunners highlighted just what he offers this City side and what they will miss when he departs. One man who will miss him more than most is Guardiola, who was actively encouraging the crowd to give Bernardo their appreciation at full time before embracing his captain in a huge hug.
"If you continue to talk about him, I will cry," said Guardiola after the game.
Choose Manchester Evening News as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
English (US) ·