Pep Guardiola's men knew a victory was required to put the destiny of the title tussle in their own hands.

They did exactly that, though it was a nervy victory as Arsenal struck the post either side of Haaland's 65th-minute winner, through Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes, while Kai Havertz missed a huge chance late on.

City looked the more enterprising side in the early stages, and Arsenal had already had two big let-offs by the time it went ahead in the 16th minute. David Raya almost had the ball taken off his toes by Haaland, while Gabriel deflected Rayan Cherki's shot onto the post. 

Cherki's next involvement resulted in the breakthrough as he danced around Gabriel before slotting into the far corner, but Arsenal was gifted an equaliser two minutes later.

Gianluigi Donnarumma took too long after receiving a throw-in from Matheus Nunes, and Havertz diverted his clearance into the net.

Chances were then at a premium until Haaland clipped the outside of the post early in the second half, before City hearts were in mouths on two occasions. Donnarumma atoned for his earlier mistake with a massive one-v-one save to deny Havertz, then Eze's drive bounced to safety off the inside of the upright.

City retook the lead when two of their most influential players on the day – Jeremy Doku and Nico O'Reilly – combined on the left-hand side, with the latter's pass squirming through to Haaland, who finished on the slide.

Arsenal hit the post again through Gabriel's header, via a big deflection off O'Reilly, and the Brazilian was arguably fortunate to escape with only a booking when he thrust his head into that of old foe Haaland.

Mikel Arteta's team had one last opportunity to snatch a point, but Havertz headed over in stoppage time, meaning City will now usurp the Gunners at the top if it wins its game in hand, against Burnley on Thursday.