Erling Haaland taunts Arsenal after Man City’s crucial title race win

Haaland also hit the post, but Arsenal had their own clear opportunities, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel striking the woodwork, and Havertz missing a late chance.

The defeat marked Arsenal’s second in a row, a stark contrast to the situation last month when City’s 1-1 draw at West Ham left them nine points adrift.

Haaland reflected on that period, stating: "After West Ham, everybody wrote that it was over. That was the feeling."

He continued: "It’s boring but you have to focus game by game. Enjoy this but now you need to start thinking about (Burnley). That’s the reality of this club in this title race, because the last weeks is when things get decided."

Tempers frayed between Arsenal’s Gabriel (left) and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

The match also saw Haaland involved in a heated exchange with Arsenal defender Gabriel, which threatened to escalate in the closing stages. Both players received bookings for pushing, though Haaland suggested Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card for an apparent headbutt.

"I think that is a red card. If I go down, it’s a red card but I would never do this. My father taught me this, ‘stay on your feet and don’t be a…’ – it starts with P," Haaland recounted.

"That’s the reality. Maybe yes I should have gone down, maybe it would be easier, but I didn’t and I got a yellow card for it.

“It’s wrestling here and there. A lot of duels, a lot of scratches. Sometimes my missus is not so happy about this, it looks a bit wrong! But that’s the reality."