Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with Eddie Nketiah scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over Manchester United, including a 90th-minute winner, in a rip-roaring clash at The Emirates on Sunday.
It looked as though it would end with honours even after United withstood a late Gunners siege but Nketiah tapped in from close range to send the home fans into raptures.
A game that fully lived up to expectations saw Marcus Rashford give United the lead with a stunning early opener only for Nketiah to head Arsenal level in a frantic first half.
Bukayo Saka’s flashing drive gave Arsenal the lead in the 53rd minute but Lisandro Martinez’s header levelled it up before the hour mark to set up an absorbing finale.
Saka struck the post and Nketiah was denied by David de Gea but the hosts were relentless as they avenged their loss to United earlier in the season — their sole defeat. Nketiah, thriving in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus, was on hand to flick home from in front of goal in the 90th minute after a low cross was deflected into his path.
Mikel Arteta’s side have 50 points from 19 games with City on 45 and United in fourth place on 39, below Newcastle United on goal difference.
Arsenal’s title credentials are no longer being questioned and victory over United was a massive statement after champions City had earlier got to within two points.
App story
Besides the pulsating game, Pixstory, an Indian app, also grabbed the spotlight at the Emirates on Sunday. NBA star and Pixstory brand ambassador Dwight Howard kicked off proceedings with a pitch for cleaner social media. This was followed by more than 50,000 fans in the stadium using Pixstory clappers to make some noise and raise awareness against online hate.
Apart from Arsenal, other marquee clubs, including Juventus and PSG Feminines, have also partnered with Pixstory in the mission to build a better social media space.
Haaland hat-trick
Norwegian goalscoring phenomenon Erling Haaland fired his fourth Premier League hat-trick of a remarkable season to earn Manchester City a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
City dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead after Haaland headed home from a pinpoint cross from Kevin De Bruyne in the 40th minute.
It was a matter of time until City got that crucial second goal, with Haaland converting from the spot following a foul on Ilkay Gundogan five minutes after the break. The Norwegian then quickly completed his treble to put the game to bed.
Haaland broke former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of being the fastest player to four Premier League hattricks. Haaland’s four came in 19 games, Van Nistelrooy’s in 65.
