ERLING TURNS THE TABLES

Ruthless Haaland shows contrast between winners and nearly men

- BY JOHN CROSS

IN THE big moments, Manchester City took their chances and Arsenal missed theirs.

Erling Haaland smashed home the winner at the Etihad and, ultimately, it could be the goal which decides the whole season.

Arsenal hit the woodwork twice and then Kai Havertz (right) headed over a glorious chance in the fifth minute of stoppage time which could have snatched a point at the death.

That is the difference between champions and nearly men. It is why City will probably go on to win the seventh title of Pep Guardiola's glorious reign. It would be his fifth in six years. City certainly celebrated like it at the final whistle. The Sky cameras panned round to City fans holding up fake Arsenal branded water bottles.