MANCHESTER: Raheem Sterling struck the winning goal as Manchester City reinvigorated their Premier League challenge by coming from behind to defeat title rivals Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday.
Arsenal took an early lead through Theo Walcott, but just as in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Everton, they wilted in the second half as Pep Guardiola's City stormed back at the Etihad Stadium.
Leroy Sane equalised two minutes into the second period before Sterling netted a 71st-minute winner, lifting City above Arsenal into second place, seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
"It means a lot to win against one of the best teams in the Premier League. It was a good comeback," said Guardiola.
"I'm really happy the fans stayed until the end. Normally in recent games, with 10 minutes (left) they disappear."
Following recent heavy losses to Chelsea and Leicester City, it gave City a first win over a fellow top-six club since their 2-1 success at Manchester United in early September.
Arsenal slipped to fourth, below Liverpool on goal difference, and will be cast further adrift of the leading pack if Jurgen Klopp's men win at Everton in Monday's Merseyside derby.
Having previously gone 14 league games unbeaten, Arsene Wenger's side have now lost successive matches and trail Chelsea by nine points.
Wenger said both of City's goals should have been ruled out for offside, Sane having benefited from a tight call and David Silva having swung a foot at Sterling's shot as it flashed past Petr Cech.
"We conceded two offside goals, which is very difficult to accept in a game of that stature," he said.
"As it is well known, the referees are protected very well, that is right, like the lions in the zoo.
"So we have to live with those decisions."
Comments
Comments are closed.