A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: “The lack of public toilets can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including older people, people with disabilities, those with medical conditions, babies and children and people that find themselves sleeping rough.

CRCC ran out 34-15 winners in the WRU Division 2 Cup final, beating Aberavon Quins 34-15

Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd remain on course for a league and cup double after sealing WRU Division 2 Cup final win at the Principality Stadium, beating Aberavon Quins 34-15.

The Cardiff-based club currently sit second in Division 2 East Central, just two points behind leaders Wattstown but with a game in hand.

14 points from the boot of Lewis Rutledge proved crucial on their way to cup success – but player of the match Gethin Owen insisted the celebrations wouldn’t last too long with the league to focus on as well.

“We’ve been playing down the occasion all week, so to come here, face a really tough side in Aberavon Quins and get a result like that — what more could you ask for?” said the scrum-half.

“We’ll celebrate tonight, but then it’s straight back to it. We’ve got one game left and we’re just a point off the top of the league — it would be great to do the double.”

Three penalties by Rutledge built a first-half lead for CRCC, who showed signs of their expansive game in fits and starts in the opening 40.

Aberavon Quins rarely threatened, but did put together a calculated assault on the tryline at the end of the half.

However, after some relentless pressure, second-row Callum Beynon was held up over the line.

They would start the second-half by finally troubling the scorers, with fly-half Ryan Pugh knocking over a penalty.

However, that was short-lived – with hooker Jon Buhler sin-binned shortly after.

Opposite number Rhodri Williams capitalised almost immediately, scoring from the driving maul that followed.

Following that try, things started to click for CRCC.

Rhydian Williams broke into the Aberavon half, before impressive fly-half Remiel Wharton ran a lovely line before offloading to No. 8 Harry Moyle to score.

Even when Aberavon were back up to a full compliment, CRCC remained difficult to stop.

Full-back Williams burst onto Cai Hayes’ short ball to cross for their third in the final quarter.

Quins would have some joy, with Drew Kinsey scoring after a superb break and offload by full-back Luis Price.

The boot of Rutledge gave CRCC some breathing space before a hectic end to the match.

After yellow cards to Harri Jones and Hayes left CRCC down to 13 men, Quins No. 8 Dylan McLachlan dived over.

However, CRCC would have the final say – with wing Tomos Jones crossing straight from the kick-off to kickstart the celebrations.

Aberavon Harlequins

Tries: Drew Kinsey, Dylan McLachlan; Cons: Ryan Pugh; Pens: Ryan Pugh.

Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd

Tries: Rhodri Williams, Harry Moyle, Rhydian Williams, Tomos Jones; Cons: Lewis Rutledge; Pens: Lewis Rutledge x4.

Aberavon Quins: Luis Price; Rhys Edmunds, Conor O’Callaghan, Lewis Cronin, Keanu Piles; Ryan Pugh, Max Phillips; Mikey Burgess, Jon Buhler, Dan Helson, Jack Davies, Callum Beynon, Tyler Hopkins, Drew Kinsey, Dylan McLachlan.

Replacements: Josh Pugh, Graeme Harvey, Dale Bowen, Morgan Evans, Sean Howells, Cam Shine, Morgan Kennerly, Jack Dacey.

Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd: Rhydian Williams; Lewis Rutledge, Cai Hayes, Carwyn James, Tomos Jones; Remiel Wharton, Gethin Owen; Dafydd Jones, Rhodri Williams, Harri Evans, James Tanner, Ifan Roberts, Rhys Luckwell, Sion Davies, Harry Moyle.

Replacements: Iwan Madoc-Jones, Hedd Jones, Ifan Jones, Elis Jones, George Hobbs, Rhodri Davies-Hughes, Guto Ebbsworth, Harri Jones.

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices rose in early trading Sunday as a standoff between Iran and the U.S. prevented tankers from using the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf waterway that is crucial to global energy supplies.

The price of U.S. crude oil increased 6.4% to $87.88 per barrel after trading resumed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 6.5% to $96.25 per barrel.

The market reaction followed more than two days of growing hopes and dashed expectations involving the strait. Iran, which effectively controls the passage, said Friday that it would fully reopen the passage off its coast to commercial traffic. Crude prices plunged more than 9% on the news.

Tehran reversed its decision on Saturday, after President Donald Trump said a U.S. Navy blockade of Iranian ports would remain in effect. Over the weekend, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired on several vessels. Trump reported the forcible seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to get around the blockade.

The US-Israeli war against Iran, now in its eighth week, has created one of the worst global energy crises in decades. Countries in Asia and Europe that import much of their oil from the Middle East have felt the most impact of halted supplies and production cuts, although rapidly rising gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices are affecting businesses and consumers worldwide.

Asked when he thought U.S. motorists would again see gas cost less than $3 a gallon on average, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said prices at the pump might not go down that much until next year.

“But prices have likely peaked, and they’ll start going down,” Wright told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

The price of crude oil — the main ingredient in gasoline — has fluctated dramatically since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and as Iran retaliated with airstrikes on other Gulf states. Crude traded at roughly $70 a barrel before the conflict, spiked to more than $119 at times, and previously closed Friday at $82.59 for U.S. oil and $90.38 for Brent.

Industry analysts have repeatedly warned that the longer the strait is closed, the worse prices could get.

A fragile, two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire Wednesday, while escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz puts the fate of new talks to end the war into question.

Even if a lasting deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz emerges, analysts say it could take months for oil shipments to return to normal levels and for fuel prices to go down. Backed-up tanker traffic, shipowners concerned about another sudden escalation, and energy infrastructure damaged during the war are factors that could impede production and shipment volumes from returning to pre-war levels.

A gallon of regular gas cost an average of nearly $4.05 a gallon in the U.S. on Sunday, according to motor club federation AAA. That’s about 8 cents lower than a week ago, but far higher than $2.98 before the war.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Alan Shearer’s final appearance for Newcastle United FC, one Tyneside brewery is paying tribute with a special edition can of its best-selling Shearer’s Beer.

Heaton-based Anarchy Brewery has released the Shearer’s Foundation Brew 260 Special Edition can, with 50p from every can sold going to the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle.

The centre offers free use of sensory spaces and specialist leisure facilities for families living with disabilities.

The launch of the special edition can also coincides with a 12-month fundraising campaign, The Million Pound Mission, which was launched by the Foundation to raise £1m to build a second hydrotherapy pool at the Alan Shearer Centre.

With memberships reaching 10,000, the hydrotherapy pool has become oversubscribed, leaving some families waiting or missing out on access for consistent sessions.

A second pool would alleviate this by increasing capacity and decreasing wait times to continue to support families.

The sales of Shearer’s Beer, a 4.2% pale ale, have already raised more than £6,000 to help the centre support families in need.

Manager of Anarchy Brewery, Phil Beaty, said he hopes beer and football fans will love and support the new Limited Edition can.

“As a brewery rooted in the North East, this release is more than just a beer,” he said.

“It is a tribute to one of the region’s greatest ever sporting icons. A player whose loyalty, leadership and legacy continue to define Newcastle and inspire generations.”

Shearer’s Beer is available at bars and retail outlets across the North East, including The Strawberry, Fenwick, STACK St James, The One Eyed Stag in Whickham, The Blackbird in Ponteland, Enjoy Beer, at Morpeth and the Northumberland Arms at Felton and many more across the region.

 It is also available online at anarchybrewco.com.

A Rich House, Poor House family made an emotional decision during a recent episode

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*Warning: Contains spoilers for the latest episode of Rich House, Poor House*

A Rich House Poor House couple have broken one significant rule of the programme.

The popular Channel 5 series sees two families from different ends of the financial spectrum exchange homes, budgets and lifestyles for a week.

Both experience a profound change in outlook as they immerse themselves in each other’s circumstances, but one family seemed to breach a rule by leaving the property midway through the exchange.

During Sunday’s (April 19) episode, millionaire hotel owners Gez and Rosy Chetal swapped their lavish lifestyle with the Bloor family.

In Norfolk, John and his wife Ann live with their three children in a three-bedroom rented terraced house. Following essential household expenses, they have merely £79 per week to cover everything else, from groceries and transport to leisure activities.

READ MORE: BBC shares first look as ‘perfect’ crime series set in Cambridge to make comebackREAD MORE: Rich House, Poor House millionaire transforms single mum’s life with eye-watering gift

Mother Ann is employed as a cook in a mental health care facility, while husband John puts in lengthy shifts as a bus driver, though both share a love of cooking.

Despite working tirelessly, the couple find it difficult to balance the books and have previously declared bankruptcy for £36,000, yet they aspire to operate a music café of their own someday.

Discovering how the wealthiest 1% exist, they swapped homes for a week with hotel proprietors Gez and Rosy Chetal, who resided in their opulent £1.7 million 11-bedroom bespoke hotel with their 19 year old daughter Saanchi.

Given his hectic schedule as an entrepreneur, the couple wished to use the exchange as an opportunity to enjoy some quality time together.

They exchanged their hotel — complete with a wine cellar, a spacious dining room and a private chef — for a week-long stay in the Bloor family’s home.

While Gez and Rosy were required to manage on a weekly budget of £79, John, his wife Ann and their children were given a taste of the high life with £1,800 to spend.

However, it soon became apparent that the Bloor family struggled to adapt to their unfamiliar surroundings in the hotel, as Ann admitted: “My kids are not comfortable.”

Following a restless night, Ann was visibly emotional as she told husband John: “The children are really uncomfortable. They can’t be in their pyjamas because it’s a hotel, they can’t just go and get a drink, they can’t just go and get a sandwich.” John interjected, adding: “It’s not a home is it?”

Turning to John, Ann explained: “It’s nothing about the hotel. If it was just me and you.. I’d absolutely love it but actually to me we can’t really stay in the hotel.”

The couple then took the bold step of abandoning the hotel and using their remaining budget to book a luxury Airbnb, at a considerable cost of £1,200.

When the two families were finally reunited at the conclusion of their swap, Ann went on to say: “We loved the hotel, unfortunately the children didn’t. They felt very separated from us.” Gez added: “It’s just a big house really, with 11 rooms.”

Rich House, Poor House airs Sunday night from 9pm on Channel 5.

More in Common’s first MRP poll of the Senedd election suggests who will be the largest party after Election Day on May 7 and the deal they may have to strike

Plaid Cymru may be compelled to enter into a power-sharing arrangement with Labour in Wales, according to new polling data.

The survey, conducted by More in Common, places Plaid Cymru marginally ahead of Reform as the largest party in the Welsh Parliament following the election on May 7.

Nevertheless, it is not projected to achieve an outright majority, and the latest polling indicates the party may be required to negotiate an agreement with Welsh Labour – which has governed Wales for over two decades – in order to form an administration.

More in Common’s inaugural MRP poll for this Senedd election, which surveyed over 2,500 people throughout Wales, has projected Plaid Cymru will secure 30 seats, Reform 28, and Welsh Labour 24. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

The Welsh Greens, projected to claim four seats, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, projected to win three, have both signalled their willingness to enter discussions with Plaid Cymru, should it emerge as the largest party in the Senedd.

However, More in Common’s polling suggests a pact between Plaid Cymru and Labour may represent the only feasible path to government, given that 49 seats are required for a majority.

The two parties have previously formed a coalition, with Plaid also having collaborated with the Welsh Labour government on numerous policy matters in the past.

Yet Plaid Cymru ended its most recent partnership in 2024 and has built its campaign around delivering “new leadership” for Wales and its determination to “replace” Labour in government.

The More in Common survey indicates Reform is poised to secure substantial gains across the entire country, with some of its most impressive showings expected in the south Wales Valleys.

In stark contrast, the Welsh Conservatives, who served as the official opposition following the previous Senedd election, are forecast to slip to fourth place, capturing just seven seats.

Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common UK, said: “Looking at Wales today, it’s hard to believe that the 2024 general election was less than two years ago – the political map has changed so dramatically since Labour won decisively in Wales.

“Having governed in Wales for 28 years, Labour is set to be pushed into third place – and for the first time we could see Wales led by a non-Labour first minister.

“Plaid Cymru are the clear beneficiaries of a country ready for change, and could be on course to lead a Welsh government for the first time.

“But it may be a tricky start – potentially requiring sharing power with a weakened Labour Party that, despite its losses, could still wield considerable influence over the shape of any coalition.

“The other story of this election is Reform’s breakthrough,” he added.

“Their support spans the whole country – beyond the valleys to Cardiff and the north east – they have firmly displaced the Conservatives as the party of the Welsh right.”

The More in Common poll questioned 2,519 eligible voters in Wales during the period from January through to April.

The Sun moves into Taurus, making space for commitment, certainty and a clear path ahead. You know what you want, so go and get it.

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, this placement encourages you to slow down and give energy consistently. Don’t be tempted by short, sharp bursts.

Tune into your deepest wishes, and life will become abundant. This placement marks a new cosmic chapter so let go of what doesn’t serve you.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday April 20, 2026

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The pace of life slows from a sprint to a steady march as the Sun enters Taurus. After weeks of fresh starts, attention turns to resources, stability and the art of building something that’s tangible and lasting. This is an excellent time to review finances, strengthen plans and invest energy where results can grow over time. Enjoy earthy but simple pleasures such as good food.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

With the Sun entering your sign, energy climbs as your personal season begins. Life can feel more grounded, purposeful and powerful. This is your annual reset as the spotlight returns to goals, your wellbeing and the pace that suits you best. Develop strands that reflect what really counts rather than what might look impressive. You will see yourself be more single minded.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

You’re invited to slow life’s mental carousel and catch your breath Gemini as the Sun eases into your sector of review. This offers a time of reflection, and one that’s perfect for tying up loose ends and finishing outstanding tasks. Allow yourself some well-deserved peace and the chance to unwind. In a few days, livelier and unplanned opportunities can though emerge.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

As the Sun enters your social world, it can truly blossom and friendship and group activities can bring warmth and inspiration for the next month. It’s a lovely time to connect with people who lift your spirits and share your vision. A casual invitation could lead to a meaningful partnership or fun-filled evenings. Look to nurture ties that truly support and cheer you on.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

Over the next four weeks the spotlight moves towards ambitions and long-term goals. Seek to review your career direction and decide what success means for you personally. The Sun in Taurus is ideal for steady progress, so focus on building something long-lasting rather than focused just on status. Instead, take pride in work that gives you a chance to personally shine.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Your horizons can widen in satisfying ways over the coming month. Curiosity stirs, inviting you to learn something new, explore a different perspective or plan trips that refresh your outlook. It’s time to step beyond common routines and feed your mind with inspiring ideas. Conversations with wise or interesting people could spark ideas that prove truly fascinating.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Your attention turns to deeper matters of trust, shared resources and emotional honesty. You are entering a thoughtful period, ideal for reviewing finances, joint commitments or investments of time or energy. The Sun in Taurus urges prudent decisions and patience. However, key conversations can deepen understanding between you and someone influential.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

As the Sun steps into Taurus, this can be a very good month for deepening bonds and clarifying commitments. Notice who consistently supports your growth and who may be more superficial. Single? The next four weeks can be a time of increased possibility when it comes to sparking a new, meaningful bond. However, you can also firm up your boundaries.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

The Sun’s move into your lifestyle zone encourages consistency over heroic bursts of effort. Life gently redirects your adventurous spirit towards practical matters. Work routines, health habits and daily responsibilities are now in focus. It’s a chance to refine systems so they support rather than drain you. Small improvements now create bigger benefits in time.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Look to rediscover pleasure and creativity alongside your worldly hopes. The coming weeks bring a refreshing shift from duty to delight. Artistic projects, romance, hobbies or new adventures can draw your attention. You’re reminded that relaxing is not a distraction from success but can fuel it. Allow yourself to feel enjoyment and you’ll enhance your resilience.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

You are encouraged to slow down and cherish the comfort of familiar surroundings. This is an ideal time to refresh your living space, reconnect with family or enjoy peaceful moments. Relish stability and gentle pleasures over constant motion. Being a more logical zodiac sign, the next four weeks can also see you get more attuned to your inner, more emotional realm.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Your ideas and thinking can become more grounded in the coming weeks. This is a wonderful time to share ideas, learn something practical or reconnect with friends, siblings and or where you can have sparkling exchanges. Conversations can still have a purpose, so whatever you discuss can be converted into something more tangible and lasting.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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MORE: What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for April 20 to April 26

MORE: Daily horoscope April 19, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Taurus Season helps you build stability — your star sign’s tarot horoscope forecast

With her own attempt at warning Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon) off having backfired, Coronation Street’s Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) turns her attention elsewhere in a bid to teach the groomer a lesson.

Megan, as viewers know, groomed Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Swale) for months, with his nearest and dearest having no idea what the abuser was up to until it all came to light last month.

The teacher’s actions were uncovered after Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan), who had been tormented by the abuser into keeping shtum, ended up in hospital.

When questioned by worried Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) on why he’d been taking drugs, Sam revealed the truth about Megan to Leanne, who relayed the news to the Driscoll clan, who were left reeling to learn that Will had been targeted and groomed by someone they knew so well.

With Megan pregnant, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) suggested the baby to be all the proof they need to confirm that she abused Will. Maggie, meanwhile, tracked Megan down and threatened her.

Ever the manipulator, Megan turned the tables and claimed that she’d suffered a miscarriage as a result of an alleged altercation with Maggie when in reality she had a termination.

Upcoming scenes will see the Driscolls devastated to learn that the police are dropping the investigation into Megan due to a lack of evidence.

Ben (Aaron McCusker) doesn’t take the news too well and blames Ollie (Raphael Akuwudike) for not keeping his brother safe from Megan. Eva leaps to Ollie’s defence, which leads to words being exchanged with Ben.

In the above clip, taken from Monday’s (April 20) edition of the ITV soap, sees Ben return to the Rovers, where more heated words are shared with Eva.

Maggie, meanwhile, eavesdrops on the conversation and, feeling like something needs to be done about Megan, she urges Eva to take action.

Eve is not quite sure what Maggie means but perhaps the silence in her response is all the subtext she needs.

Let’s not forget that Maggie is no stranger to having taken a life, as confirmed in a flashback episode from last year.

Megan, meanwhile, is one of several characters in danger of losing their life after Corrie aired a flashforward episode earlier this year, with confirmation of a dead body come late April.

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Megan, Maggie, Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances-Brown), Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) and Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) are the potential victims.

Could Megan end up dead at Eva’s hands? Or will someone else take revenge?

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX and YouTube.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

MORE: Eva catches out vile Megan, and the vengeful sisters attack in Coronation Street

MORE: Megan’s last vile act as she steals Will from Weatherfield in exit plot in Coronation Street

MORE: All Coronation Street spoilers for next week as it’s finally all over for Megan and Carl amid death twist

The devoted Bluebirds supporter has been remembered as “a big character” who was known to everyone at the club

Well-known Cardiff City fan Dai Hunt, who supported the Bluebirds for over 60 years, has died.

Mr Hunt, who is believed to have been in his mid-to-late sixties, passed away at home in Cardiff. Known to players, coaches and fans alike, the lifelong Bluebirds supporter has been remembered as a colourful character who lived and breathed the club and wanted nothing more than to see them succeed.

The tragic news broke on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Brian Barry-Murphy’s side sealed promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking following their 3-1 win over Reading and Exeter City’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Stockport.

Mr Hunt’s colourful nature and passionate support for Cardiff saw him hit headlines over the years, from the time he approached then-manager Paul Trollope in the stadium car park and waved a list of prospective striker targets at him, to the moment he was invited into the Bluebirds dressing room to deliver a half-time team talk during Kevin McNaughton’s testimonial match in 2018.

Cardiff City’s Supporters’ Liaison Officer Paul Corkery told WalesOnline that it was a “sad day” for the club.

“Dai was a big character,” he said. “He was the most-known person in and around Cardiff City. Everybody knows who Dai Hunt is. I’ve been quite overwhelmed today looking at the messages of support and tributes to him.

“He was very loud and extroverted, and he was always chasing the players telling them what to do! I’ve known him since he was nine years old and he was shouting the players even then.

“We’re gutted that he’s passed and it’s a sad day for the football club,” Mr Corkery added. “He was probably our biggest supporter.

“If we had a 3pm kick-off, he’d be there at 10.30am, and if it was a night match he’d be there at 3pm!

“Players past and present all know who he is, and he must have had thousands of autographs in his house. He will be much missed.”

Tributes are set to be paid to Mr Hunt at Wednesday evening’s clash between Cardiff and Port Vale at Cardiff City Stadium.

Further tributes have been made to the Bluebirds fan on social media, with one fellow supporter writing: “Sad news about Dai Hunt, whether you had the pleasure to meet him or not.

“He had a passion for this club like no other. Always vocal, always had an opinion, always a character. RIP to the Man, Myth and legend that was Dai Hunt.”

Another added: “Sad to hear about Dai Hunt’s passing. A true Cardiff City fan through and through. Will never forget his team talk at the Kevin McNaughton testimonial game.”

A third wrote: “RIP Dai Hunt, bloke adored Cardiff unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Had the privilege of speaking to him many times and he never wanted anything more than to see Cardiff succeed. This promotion is for you.”

—

*Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here, on Instagram, on TikTok and on Facebook.

Gary Neville felt Jurrien Timber was badly missed against Manchester City and Arsenal were ‘hampered enormously’ by Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera’s apparent shortcomings going forward.

Arsenal came out fighting after picking up just one win in their previous five contests in all competitions, but Erling Haaland’s second-half strike ultimately proved decisive at the Etihad.

Kai Havertz’s leveller – gifted to Arsenal by Gianluigi Donnarumma – had given the visitors hope of a statement victory away from home, with the forward’s effort cancelling out Rayan Cherki’s sublime opener just moment earlier.

Mikel Arteta’s men were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal in the second half, though, ensuring hosts City closed the gap at the summit to just three points.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who have a game in hand over Arsenal, will claim top spot should they get the better of struggling Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

‘I believe today, I believe on Wednesday, I believed a week ago because I see them every day and I know the level that we have,’ Arteta told reporters shortly after Arsenal’s setback.

‘But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. We are talking about it in the dressing room.

‘It’s a new league now. We have three points of advantage, they have the game in hand.

‘Everything is still to play for. We know how much we want it and we are not going to stop!’

Arsenal will be eager to get their title charge back on track when they return to action at home to an out-of-form Newcastle side next weekend.

Dissecting Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash on his Sky Sports podcast, ex-Manchester United and England full-back Neville made sure to single out Bernardo Silva for special praise after an ‘above-and-beyond’ display.

‘Bernardo Silva in the second half, what a performance that is just to grip a game,’ Neville said.

‘I think people sometimes become surprised when I’ve talked about Paul Scholes, in the last five or six years of his Manchester United career, gripping a football match by the scruff of the neck, controlling it and dominating the speed of it.

‘What we’ve just seen there from Bernardo Silva is absolutely above and beyond.

‘He just beat Viktor Gyokeres on a header at the back post, he’s then pressing two minutes later, and he epitomises what Manchester City are: that experience, that know-how but also that energy, that professionalism.

‘I thought he was absolutely sensational in the second half and he just lifted it a gear.

‘In some ways, Arsenal had some good chances. Eberechi Eze hitting the post, Kai Havertz’s header at the head, what a moment that is.

‘But City just edged it with the victory but also just edged it in performance levels in the second half.’

Neville, who backed Arsenal to win the title at the start of the season, was encouraged by the Gunners’ performance in the context of their recent performances.

But the eight-time Premier League winner is confident City have now wrestled the ‘momentum’ firmly in their favour ahead of their trip to struggling Burnley in midweek.

‘My takeaway for Arsenal today is that’s the best way that they could have lost,’ Neville went on.

‘I know the big talk before the match was the bottling, the freezing, the anxiety, the nervousness, the pressure… I actually think they handled the occasion very well and that’s positive.

‘They didn’t come here today and not play, they didn’t come here today and have no idea. I thought they played a good game of football, one of the best performances I’ve seen here from an away team to be fair.

‘So for Arsenal, it’s as good as it can get. But you’re up against a juggernaut and that juggernaut is Pep Guardiola.

‘Manchester City have won title after title in these last seven or eight years and they’ve just stole ahead at the right time, they’ve got that momentum, and they will go in front on Wednesday. They’ll beat Burnley at Burnley.

‘There’s still a way to go, it’s going to be difficult now for Arsenal, but how they psychologically recover from this is going to be really important.’

Neville picked out Havertz for special praise, while applauding Hincapie and Mosquera for ‘sticking to the task’ and frustrating City from a defensive perspective.

But according to Neville, the full-backs’ deficiencies going forward meant Arsenal were ‘blocked off’ when it came to building attacks from the left and right flanks.

‘Arsenal were hampered enormously by their full-backs,’ he explained.

‘I thought actually they did a good job, Hincapie and Mosquera, they really stuck to their task, but they’re limited on the ball.

‘So if you think about Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly for City, or how Jurrien Timber or Riccardo Calafiori or others are for Arsenal, they were just blocked off.

‘You haven’t got that subtlety on that ball or that ability, that safe, consistentand reliable ability, to feed the ball in, good touches and passes and getting it into your front players and midfield players because they’re centre-backs effectively, they’re not full-backs.

‘So I thought they stuck to the task really well, the two full-backs for Arsenal, but you lose a lot when you lose Timber, you lose a lot. He’s a bit of a powerhouse going forward, he links really well.

‘I’m not mentioning Bukayo Saka because every player can get an injury so Noni Madueke is there, Gabriel Martinelli is there, you can’t whinge about Saka.

‘But I think losing both of their full-backs would have cost them today in terms of on the ball and being able to get forward.’

Arsenal came close to equalising for a second time at the death as Havertz missed a golden chance to head home and cancel out Haaland’s earlier strike.

Neville was impressed by Havertz’s all-round performance but has no doubts the German will be ruing his missed opportunity at the death over the coming days.

‘I thought Arsenal lost the game because you can lose here. You can play well, do okay in the game and still lose here,’ he continued.

‘I’m sure Mikel Arteta will point towards chances, Eberechi Eze’s one where he hits the post, Havertz’s chance at the end… they had really good moments and they’ve not taken them.

‘The Havertz chance towards the end is a big moment.’

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