Reading Time: 3 minutes

Two months ago, Arsenal were expected to win their first EPL trophy in two decades.

Today it looks like they may well be a bridesmaid again, never the bride, as they were beaten 2-1 by a determined Manchester City.

Rayan Cherki showed great dribbling skills inside the box to go on and score, giving Manchester City the lead.

Less than two minutes later, Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma delayed clearing the ball, allowing Kai Havertz to dispossess him and get the equaliser. It sure was a howler of epic proportions in a must-win game for Manchester City. Again, it was a case of a goalkeeper playing out from the back and messing up big time.

This was a fascinating game to watch, with Manchester City having the better of it.

Arsenal hit the post twice in the second half, but it was their boogey man, the blonde Viking giant Erling Haaland, who put this game to bed, scoring his 30th goal of this season. 

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta just can’t seem to stick it to his old boss Pep Guardiola when it matters the most.

The battle between Haaland and William Saliba was intense and threatened to become ugly. It was vicious with Gabriel, who could have been sent off for headbutting Haaland, who didn’t fall to the ground and cry about it. He was truly the bigger man.

There are those who say Manchester City hold the mental edge over Arsenal, and that was shown today. If Manchester City beat Burnley on Wednesday, they will be EPL leaders, jumping ahead of Arsenal with five more games to play.

Mikel Arteta was expected to get Arsenal over the line this season after three successive runner-up end-of-season spots. One wouldn’t bet against him making it four in a row, with many seeing Arsenal bottling it and handing the title to Manchester City. 

Arsenal are beginning to hold the label of title challengers rather than title winners.

Speaking after the victory, Pep Guardiola said: “People say we have momentum, but when you see them (Arsenal) compete, they are an extraordinary team. Otherwise, you cannot be the top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League.

“Who is top of the league? We are not. In goal difference, they are better. Step by step. But of course, we have hopes and still extend the chance to fight until the end. I’ve been so demanding, but the reality is it’s just one game. We have to enjoy it , celebrate it, take good things, but don’t lose focus. The focus is in three days, we go to Burnley.”