Haaland strike sends Man City top of Premier League

Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League for the first time since the opening week of the season after Erling Haaland's fifth-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory over relegated Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday. The win, which ended Arsenal's 200-day stay at the summit of the table, leaves City and Arsenal level on 70 points and a goal difference of plus-37, with City leading on goals scored (66 to Arsenal's 63). Burnley, with just 20 points from 34 matches, are confirmed for immediate relegation back to the Championship. Haaland's clinical finish came from Jeremy Doku's through ball, with the Norwegian rounding Martin Dubravka to slot home. Despite creating 28 chances with an expected goals tally of 3.15, City could not add to their single goal, with Haaland striking the post and substitute Nico O' Reilly missing several clear opportunities. Guardiola acknowledged his side lacked ruthlessness but remained satisfied with the result, stating: "We won and are top of the league, why be frustrated?" City have now won five consecutive matches since trailing Arsenal by nine points in mid-March. City, now clear title favorites with five games remaining, face Southampton in an FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, where Guardiola hinted at squad rotation, saying: "We may have to rest players, but we are ready." Arsenal can reclaim top spot if they defeat Newcastle United at the Emirates on the same day. Burnley, owned by American investors ALK Capital, have contributed little to the top flight this season, though Haaland has enjoyed facing them, scoring eight goals in four meetings against the Clarets.