Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Josh Holland

Man City highlight what Arsenal title charge has been missing after early goal against Fulham

Arsenal's name at the top of the Premier League table is in jeopardy today with Manchester City in action against Fulham. The Gunners, before kick-off, were two points clear of the reigning champions.

Man City took a huge step in lifting their fifth league title in six years in mid-week with a 4-1 win over the Gunners, to cut the gap to only two points.

With Mikel Arteta's men not in action this weekend, City were presented with the chance to rise above their league rivals with victory over Fulham. And Pep Guardiola's men started off in perfect fashion at Craven Cottage with Erling Haaland converting a penalty after only three minutes.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed huge Declan Rice transfer boost as West Ham plot plan for replacement

The goal was Haaland's 50th goal of the season, his 34th in the Premier League, meaning he is only 13 away from equalling Dixie Dean's record of 63 goals - the most goals scored in a single season in all competitions in English top-flight football.

Haaland would need another 14 goals between now and the end of the season to break the record. His strike at Fulham means he now has 18 in 12 games, an extraordinary statistic for the striker.

The Norwegian's terrific first season in England has been superhuman, with the player often compared to a robot for his goalscoring nature. However, his presence in Guardiola's side is a big factor in the way the title race has turned out.

Arsenal don't have a prolific goalscorer in their ranks. In fact, Gabriel Martinelli - their top scorer this season - has 10 goals fewer than half of Haaland's total.

Other factors have contributed to the turn of events in recent weeks, including William Saliba's injury. However, if the title returns to the Etihad Stadium next month, Haaland's goals have been a big difference.

READ NEXT:

Martin Odegaard holds the key to Edu's £298m Arsenal transfer plan that can close Man City gap

Arsenal eye right-back option to complete long-term Ben White plan and fix William Saliba issue

Tierney signs for Newcastle, Smith Rowe to Aston Villa - 4 summer transfers Arsenal may regret

Edu urged to complete £70m Arsenal transfer and sign Thomas Partey 'upgrade'

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke confirmed to land £35m windfall after Man City defeat

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.