A second-half strike from Erling Haaland proved the difference and enough to move Pep Guardiola’s side to within three points of the Gunners at the top of the table.
Rayan Cherki had fired City into a 16th minute lead after bamboozling the Gunners defence with a sublime piece of skill before drilling home a sweetly struck shot.
Within 30 seconds however Arsenal drew level through Kai Havertz after the Gunners striker harried an attempted Gianluigi Donnarumma clearance with the ball ricocheting into the net.
In what was an intense, high-quality affair, Arsenal twice struck the post after the break through Eberechi Eze and Gabriel.
However, a relentless City, who had also struck the woodwork twice through Cherki and Haaland, were not to be denied.
And, as so often, it was Haaland who delivered, the striker firing home on 65 minutes to lift the roof off the Etihad and secure a huge three points to move us to within three of the Gunners - and with a precious game in hand.
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