Man City closes the gap on Arsenal as Erling Haaland scores four against Wolves | Football

Haaland was back to his destructive best (Picture: Getty)

Manchester city have closed the hole Arsenal on top of the Premier League again with Erling Haaland scored 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 aside the visitors.

In an exciting title race Arsenal opened a four-point lead at the top with goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice to seal a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the early kick-off of the day.

But there was no sign of any pressure from Pep Guardiola's side as they confidently closed the gap at the top again.

Arsenal have crucially played one more game than City, meaning the defending champions will lift the trophy again if they win the remaining three games of the season.

Haaland stepped up confidently to score a penalty in the 12th minute after Rayan Ait-Nouri had taken down Josko Gvardiol in the penalty area.

The Norwegian doubled his score with a towering header and completed his hat-trick just before half-time.

Erling Haaland scored four times against Wolves

Haaland towered over Wolves to score his second (Picture: Getty)

Erling Haaland scored four times against Wolves

City retain control of their own title destiny (Photo: Getty)

After being clipped by Nelson Semedo as he broke into the penalty area, 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 stunning strike, holding onto Phil Foden's ball and smashing it into the far corner.

Julian Alvarez came off the bench to add a fifth five minutes after full-time.

City's final three games of the season are away against Fulham and Tottenham before hosting West Ham United on the final day of the season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to Manchester United next Sunday before ending their season at home to Everton.

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