'Another EPL runner-up nightmare' resurfaces... Arsenal suffers 'fatal' 1-2 defeat to Manchester City, 'Haaland scores winner'

*This content was translated by AI.

'The nightmare of finishing as runner-up is resurfacing. The match result could shift the entire landscape of the title race.

'Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-1 in their Round 33 home match at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, UK, on the 20th (Korea time) in the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL).

'With this result, Manchester City (67 points) has closed the gap to league-leading Arsenal (70 points). Notably, since Manchester City has one fewer match played, they have secured a favorable position to potentially overtake Arsenal and win the title outright, depending on the outcomes of remaining fixtures.

'Title probabilities also fluctuated sharply. According to British media outlet 'BBC', Arsenal's title chances plummeted from 97% to 73% in just one week following this defeat. Meanwhile, Manchester City's chances surged vertically from 3% to 27%.

'Manchester City seized the initiative early. In the 16th minute of the first half, Rayan Cherki scored the opening goal with a exquisite shot, shaking Arsenal's net.

'However, Arsenal responded immediately. In the 18th minute of the first half, Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma committed a fatal error, and Kai Havertz, who surged toward the goal, equalized, resetting the match to a draw.

'The tense balance was broken in the 20th minute of the second half by Erling Haaland's foot. Haaland shrugged off Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães' physical challenge and scored the winning goal with a left-footed shot, putting an end to the contest. Arsenal suffered through agonizing bad luck as shots from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel repeatedly struck the goalposts before collapsing.

'According to British media outlet 'Sky Sports', Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated in a post-match interview: "We still hold hope for the EPL title. Arsenal is the best team in England this season, but Manchester City has earned the opportunity to compete for the title until the end. However, the players must not lose focus until the season concludes."

'On the other hand, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta vowed: "We have complete confidence that we can do it. We showcased Arsenal's strength even in the match against Manchester City. The title race is still in Arsenal's hands. This is effectively the start of a new league campaign."

'Expert predictions also diverged. Wayne Rooney, a legend of Manchester United, argued: "Arsenal will win all their remaining matches, and Manchester City will draw against Everton, allowing Arsenal to win the title by two points." In response, Danny Murphy predicted: "Both teams will win all their remaining matches, but Manchester City will claim the title on goal difference."

'Manchester City's victory over Arsenal eliminated the possibility of a title playoff, which would be decided by points, goal difference, and goals scored. Under regulations, if all prior tiebreaker conditions are met, Manchester City, which holds the advantage in head-to-head records, would be awarded the championship trophy.

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*This content was translated by AI.