Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched unless for whatever reason you’ve named your chicken Erling Haaland.
The English Premier League title race has been dramatically turned on its head, with Manchester City surging to the summit and Arsenal left staring at a potential collapse in the final five games of the season.
A scrappy 1-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday was enough to send City top of the table, ending Arsenal’s 200-day reign, but it did little to settle nerves in what is shaping as one of the most chaotic and close finishes in recent memory.
It was Erling Haaland who delivered the decisive blow yet again, coolly chipping home inside six minutes to seal a result that could define the season.
The Norwegian’s 24th league goal (48th in all competitions) proved the difference, even as City squandered chance after chance to put the contest to bed.
Despite racking up 28 shots and dominating proceedings, Pep Guardiola’s men looked strangely jittery, wasting a golden opportunity to boost their goal difference — a factor that could ultimately decide the title.
Incredibly, City now lead Arsenal only on goals scored, with both sides locked on points and goal difference with five games remaining.
For a team that had just beaten Arsenal 2-1 in what many dubbed the title decider days earlier, Burnley was expected to be a runover, instead, raising the eyebrows of Arsenal fans.
Guardiola, however, wasn’t buying the criticism.
“The chances were there. We created a lot. Make a fantastic game. We did everything,” the City boss insisted in the post game presser.
“We played a really good game where we missed some goals. There’s no frustration. Why should there be frustration? We won three points. Of course we could do better in scoring goals but the guys did really well. The game was really well played in so many ways. Of course we could have scored more, but we take it.”
Haaland echoed that blunt assessment.
“We had a lot of chances, but I’m happy we won and that’s the most important thing. It’s all about winning, no matter how.
“1-0 is amazing, I don’t know why you keep asking. I’m super happy, and as they sing we are top of the league so be happy.”
But the reality is far more uncomfortable for both contenders.
Less than two weeks ago, Arsenal held a commanding nine-point lead and looked destined to end their long wait for a title.
Now, after back-to-back setbacks and City’s relentless surge, the Gunners are suddenly on the brink of one of the great late-season capitulations.
Fan reactions varied to the result.
One Arsenal fan said “A narrow victory, Pep Guardiola is dragging his feet, let’s see how long he lasts.”
A City fan countered “Arsenal fans how’re you feeling tonight?” with the now iconic photo of a fan drinking ‘Arsenal tears’.
Meanwhile, the night brought misery at the other end of the table.
Burnley’s defeat confirmed relegation — their third drop in five seasons — continuing a brutal cycle between the top flight and the Championship.
Scott Parker’s side sit 13 points from safety with just four games left, their fate sealed after a dismal run of one win in 25 matches.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth’s European push took a hit after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Leeds United, with a 97th-minute equaliser denying them a crucial win.
But all eyes remain fixed on the top, with five games to play, the Premier League title race has gone from a victory procession to a back alley knife fight.
In their final run Man City will face Everton (10th), Brentford (9th), Bournemouth (7th), Crystal Palace (13th) and Aston Villa (4th).
While Arsenal will take on Newcastle (14th), Fulham (12th), West Ham (17th), Burnley (19th) and Crystal Palace (13th), by appearances an easier run however they are still juggling Champions League football.
