With the 2-1 victory, City are only three points behind Arsenal. If they win against bottom team Burnley away on Wednesday, City will slip past them thanks to a better goal difference or more goals scored.
Things were going well at the Etihad Stadium from the start. Rayan Cherki hit the post - via Arsenal defender Gabriel - after just a few minutes.
Cherki's big moment was coming. With Lionel Messi-style dribbling, the Frenchman slipped past one opponent after another and scored City's opening goal.
A moment of brilliance.
Donnarumma's mistake
A little over a minute later: the mistake that will probably be talked about just as much. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma fumbled the ball and, on the counterattack with Kai Havertz, the German scored Arsenal's equalizer.
City, desperate to win to close in on Arsenal, turned up the pressure after the break.
Arsenal were worried about their points.
The chances were plentiful. In the 'hit the post' department, Eberechi Eze equalized for Arsenal with a quick, surprising shot.
Swedish international Viktor Gyökeres has been a regular for Arsenal this season. But in the big match, the striker had to sit on the bench for a long time. Havertz took the place as the spearhead. Gyökeres only came on towards the end.
Martin Ødegaard, who has had repeated injury problems, played somewhat surprisingly from the start. With the team captain on the pitch, Arsenal gained more dimensions in their game, offensively and defensively.
The Norwegian was involved in several dangerous situations for Arsenal.
Hard-hitting duels
The decision came in the 65th minute - with another Norwegian in focus. Donnarumma reacted with a long throw. The ball finally reached Haaland, who was first in the duel with Gabriel, and pressed in the winning goal while lying on the ground.
The duels between Haaland and Gabriel were fierce and almost turned ugly. Both were cautioned.
Arsenal once again had the odds stacked against them, with another goal hitting the post. The club has not won the Premier League since 2004 and has lost its once-large lead.
Havertz had the last chance to save the tie, but headed over.
The clubs' remaining matches:
Arsenal:
April 25: Newcastle (home)
May 2: Fulham (h)
May 10: West Ham (away)
May 17: Burnley (h)
May 24: Crystal Palace (b)
Manchester City:
April 22: Burnley (away)
Date not yet determined: Crystal Palace (home)
May 4: Everton (b)
May 9: Brentford (h)
May 17: Bournemouth (b)
May 24: Aston Villa (h)
