Man City close on leaders Arsenal

Manchester. — Manchester City overcame relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest 2-0 yesterday to close to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal and keep the destiny of the title race in their own hands.

Mikel Arteta’s team had thrown down the gauntlet earlier in the day, fending off a Tottenham fightback to win 3-2, briefly moving four points clear of City.

But the champions — chasing an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title — saw off a spirited Forest, with goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland in either half.

Forest — fighting for their lives – will rue missed chances, including two clear-cut opportunities for Chris Wood.

City remain firm favourites to land yet another league title with four games remaining — one more than Arsenal.

Third-placed Liverpool are four points behind City having played a game more and are realistically out of the title picture.

Forest, last month docked four points for breaches of Premier League financial rules, remain just one point outside the relegation zone with three games to go.

Pep Guardiola’s City, who came into the match on the back of a 30-match unbeaten run in all competitions, did not have it all their own way at the City ground.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka said Arsenal had learned lessons from last season’s Premier League collapse as they held off a stirring Tottenham fightback to beat their bitter London rivals 3-2 yesterday.

The league leaders were in cruise control at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at halftime after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal was followed by goals for Saka and Kai Havertz.

But Spurs produced a stirring second-half response, given a helping hand by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who chipped straight to Cristian Romero in the 64th minute.

Son Heung-min made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 87th minute but Arsenal held on despite a nervy final few moments.

“The last 20 minutes wasn’t nice, but it was worth it,” England forward Saka told Sky Sports.

“We know it is a big derby and they don’t want to lose 3-0 at home. Momentum shifted their way but I am proud of the boys – we managed to get the three points.

“We needed to be calm and everything was frantic. We showed our level heads at the end and I am proud of everyone, it was a nice moment – we know what it means to the fans.” — SuperSport.