Manchester City Beat Arsenal 2-1 as Title Race Heats Up

April 20, 2026 | 06:10 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Week 33 of the 2025/26 Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Rayan Cherki put the hosts ahead before Kai Havertz equalized. City secured all three points thanks to Erling Haaland's goal.

With this result, City sits second in the standings with 68 points from 32 matches, three points behind Arsenal, who have played 33 matches, according to the official Premier League website.

This result also heats up the title race in the closing stages of the season.

The Citizens took the lead in the 16th minute through Rayan Cherki's individual effort. The young midfielder penetrated the penalty box, dribbled past several Arsenal players, before unleashing a left-footed shot that beat David Raya.

However, City's lead lasted only two minutes. Arsenal equalized in the 18th minute through Kai Havertz, capitalizing on a mistake by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma's shot, attempting to clear the ball, hit Havertz, resulting in an equalizer. The score was 1-1.

Towards the end of the first half, Arsenal nearly equalized. Havertz had another golden opportunity in front of goal, but his effort was thwarted by City defender Cristhian Mosquera.

Entering the second half, Arsenal played more aggressively and created several dangerous chances. Havertz nearly scored when one-on-one with Donnarumma, but the Italian goalkeeper made a brilliant save.

Eberechi Eze also had a shot that threatened, but it was not successful.

Amid Arsenal's pressure, City managed to score the winner in the 65th minute. Haaland got on the scoresheet after tapping in Nico O'Reilly's cutback to restore the home side's 2-1 lead.

For the remainder of the match, Arsenal continued to press, including from set pieces. One of the best chances came from Havertz's header, but Donnarumma was alert to thwart it. The final whistle blew, and the score remained 2-1 for Manchester City.

With five matches remaining, Manchester City's chances of overtaking Arsenal in the title race remain wide open.

Starting Lineups
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Rodri; Antoine Semenyo, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze; Kai Havertz

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