Haaland was back to his destructive best (Picture: Getty)
Manchester City have closed the gap on Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League again with Erling Haaland scoring four times in a 5-1 thrashing of Wolves at the Etihad.
Haaland was back to his destructive best on Saturday evening, scoring a hat-trick before half-time as the defending champions ruthlessly swept the visitors aside.
In an enthralling title race, Arsenal opened up a four-point lead at the top with goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice sealing a 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the day’s early kick-off.
But there was no sign of any pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side as they confidently reduced the gap at the top again.
Arsenal have crucially played one game more than City, meaning the defending champions will lift the trophy again if they win their remaining three games of the season.
Haaland stepped up confidently to slot home a penalty 12 minutes into the game after Rayan Ait-Nouri wiped out Josko Gvardiol inside the box.
The Norwegian doubled his tally with a towering header, completing his hat-trick just before half-time.
Haaland towered above Wolves to score his second (Picture: Getty)
City remain in control of their own title destiny (Picture: Getty)
After being clipped by Nelson Semedo as he broke into the box, the 23-year-old converted his second penalty of the evening to seal the 21st hat-trick of his professional career.
Hwang Hee-Chan pulled one back for the visitors early in the second-half but just a minute later, Haaland capped a majestic performance with a wonderful strike, latching onto Phil Foden’s ball to lash home into the far corner.
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Julian Alvarez came off the bench to add a fifth five minutes from full-time.
City’s final three games of the season are away to Fulham and Tottenham before hosting West Ham United on the final day of the season.
Arsenal meanwhile head to Manchester United next Sunday before ending their campaign at home to Everton.
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