Man City marvel Erling Haaland creates history in Arsenal rout

Goal machine Erling Haaland entered the record books as Manchester City had its way with Arsenal to take full control of the title race.

Get this man a shampoo sponsor. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Manchester City’s seemingly unstoppable march to another English Premier League title continued in a top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal on Thursday morning.

City took full control of the title race with a 4-1 win at the Etihad — and is now just two points behind the league-leaders with two games in hand.

Goal machine Erling Haaland capped a banner night for the home side by completing the rout in the 95th minute.

Haaland slotted home after a failed clearance to score his 33rd goal of the season, breaking Mohamed Salah’s record for the most in a 38-game season.

He has seven more matches to surpass Alan Shearer and Andy Cole — who hold the overall record with 34.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring the opening goal. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

It took Pep Guardiola’s side just seven minutes to take the advantage as Haaland set up Kevin De Bruyne’s opening strike.

Arsenal were pressing high when they were caught out by a long ball over the top to Haaland, who played through De Bruyne. The Belgian broke past his marker and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.

The onslaught continued as City had its way with the league-leaders,.

A fine save by Aaron Ramsdale denied Haaland in the 41st minute but it wasn’t long before John Stones doubled the advantage.

Stones was initially called offside after nodding home a De Bruyne set piece but the decision was overturned by the VAR.

Fans were divided over Arsenal’s performance as they finished the first half without a shot on target.

This Arsenal defending belongs in a playground! No one marking De Bruyne, letting Haaland on his left foot. They need switch on fast

— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 26, 2023

Should be 3 nil this already. Can't believe how bad Arsenal's marking has been.

— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 26, 2023

I think this is currently much more about how good City have been than how bad Arsenal have been.

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) April 26, 2023

But it was hard to paint a positive picture as City made it 3-0 in the 54th minute.

It was that man De Bruyne again, putting the game to bed after another assist from Haaland.

It was De Bruyne’s eighth goal in 11 EPL matches against Arsenal — his most against any opponent.

3-0 in your biggest game in decades, these Arsenal brothers are insane, at least make it interesting.

— Mod (@CFCMod_) April 26, 2023

At least put up a bloody fight, Arsenal. I don’t mind losing to a better team, which City clearly are, but I do mind losing so spinelessly.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 26, 2023

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta rang the changes in the final half hour and his side was rewarded with a consolation 86th minute goal to Rob Holding.

Holding guided the ball home from the edge of the box to give the travelling fans a brief moment of joy, but it wasn’t long before the misery continued as Haaland finally got on the board in the fifth minute of injury time

The Gunners enjoyed an eight-point lead at the top of the table as recently as last month but stumbled recently with three consecutive draws proceeding this defeat.

Guardiola is going for his fifth Premier League title in seven seasons in England and his side is still in contention for the treble having qualified for an FA Cup Final against Manchester United and a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Originally published as Man City marvel Erling Haaland creates history in Arsenal rout