Haaland's Heroics Snatch Late Thriller: City Pip Arsenal in Midweek Madness!
Manchester City edged Arsenal 3-2 in a pulsating Premier League clash at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland's brace and late volley proving decisive. Sky Sports captured the drama as City closed the gap at the top, while Arsenal rued defensive lapses. A thrilling encounter that lit up a rainy Tuesday night.
Alright, mate, pull up a stool at the pub and let's dissect this absolute cracker from the Etihad. Tuesday night, 17 February 2026, and Manchester City hosted Arsenal in what Sky Sports billed as a title six-pointer, but it felt more like a proper pub brawl with goals flying in thicker than the lager foam on a Friday.
Picture the scene: Pep Guardiola's sky blues, chasing down the league leaders, versus Mikel Arteta's Gunners, who arrived with their chests puffed out after that cheeky win over Liverpool last week. The stadium's rocking, the rain's lashing down – proper English football weather, innit? Kick-off, and it's cagey at first. Rodri bossing midfield for City, Odegaard trying his sly flicks for Arsenal. But then, bam! Erling Haaland, that towering Viking beast, latches onto a Foden cross in the 22nd minute and heads it home like he's swatting a fly. 1-0 City, and the home fans are losing their nuts.
Arsenal don't lie down, though. Saka, the little wizard on the right, skins Walker for fun and rifles one into the top corner just before half-time. 1-1, and you're thinking, 'This is on for a draw.' Arteta's barking orders from the touchline, looking like he's about to burst a vein, while Pep's sat there all zen, sipping his water like a monk.
Second half? Pure chaos. Saliba gifts City a penalty – clumsy as your uncle after three pints – and Haaland steps up. Cool as you like, slots it away. 2-1. Arsenal roar back, though; Martinelli skins the defence and squares for Rice to tap in. 2-2, Etihad's gone quiet, you can hear the away fans chanting 'North London forever'.
But here's where the magic – or dark arts, depending on your allegiance – happens. 88th minute, De Bruyne lofts a beauty, Haaland outjumps everyone (as usual) and volleys it into the net. 3-2! VAR checks for offside, hearts in mouths, but it's good. Arsenal throw bodies forward, but Ederson pulls off a worldie to deny Havertz. Full-time, City nick it.
Sky Sports pundits were buzzing post-match – Neville calling it 'vintage City resilience', while Carragher reckoned Arsenal bottled it late doors. Haaland now on 25 goals, sniffing another Golden Boot. For City, massive in the title race; they're two points off top now. Arsenal? Sloppy defending cost 'em dear, but still in the hunt.
What a night, eh? If this is midweek football in 2026, sign me up for the season ticket. City march on, Gunners lick wounds – next up, the return fixture at the Emirates promises fireworks. Fancy a bet on that one? Cheers to the beautiful game keeping us hooked.