Antoine Semenyo struck the decisive goal as Manchester City edged Leeds United 1-0 to close Arsenal lead to two points in the Premier League title race, and they did it without star striker Erling Haaland.
Semenyo netted late in the first half at Elland Road, scoring his sixth goal since his January move from AFC Bournemouth.
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The Ghana forward’s clinical finish lifted second-placed City to within touching distance of the summit ahead of Arsenal’s London derby against Chelsea on Sunday.
City secured a fourth consecutive league win despite Haaland’s absence after the Norwegian was ruled out with an injury sustained in training on Thursday.
“A little injury. It’s not a big issue, but not ready for today,” City manager Pep Guardiola said before kick-off.
The champions hope Haaland will return for Wednesday’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
Interestingly, Man City’s win ratio in the Premier League is marginally higher in matches Haaland has missed.
Though not at their fluent best, Guardiola’s side ground out a valuable result in a hostile atmosphere, keeping the title destiny firmly in their own hands.
Chasing a seventh league crown under Guardiola, City would be guaranteed the title if they win their remaining 10 matches, irrespective of Arsenal’s results over the same stretch. They will also have a game in hand and host the Gunners in April in what could prove decisive.
Leeds nearly stunned the visitors early on when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scuffed Brenden Aaronson’s cross wide with only Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat.
