By Ben Efe 19.4.2026
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said it was a delight beating Arsenal 2-1 to keep the Premier League title chase open.
Rayan Cherki weaved his way through the Arsenal defence and finished coolly to give City an early lead but moments later Kai Havertz stole the ball from Gianluigi Donnarumma in front of goal and levelled up.
In the second half Donnarumma saved from Havertz, but City had the last laugh as Erling Haaland finished clinically to hand City a crucial win.
City have a game in hand against Burnley on Wednesday and a win will put them in the driver’s seat in the race for the title.
“So far, Arsenal are the best team in England, but of course we extend the chance and the hopes to fight until the end,” Guardiola said.
“When you beat them once, it’s difficult. But twice [in a short time], they are so competitive and aggressive in all departments. We had momentum, they had momentum, we had chances, they had chances. At the end in these type of games, there are little margins.”
“We have to enjoy it, celebrate it, take the good things, but don’t lose focus. The focus is that in three days, we go to Burnley.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side gave it their best.
“We absolutely did that. Especially the way we ended the game. We could’ve been a bit more composed in certain moments.
” We were very close. Now we have to reset. Today was a bit of an opportunity but we still have five to go and there are a lot of positives to take from the game.”