With 45 points, the defending champions are two points behind the Gunners, at the top of the standings, but the latter have two games less, including the reception of Manchester United, 4th at six points behind City, at 5:30 p.m.
Stammering their football somewhat since the resumption of the championship, the Citizens seem to confirm that the second half against Tottenham on Thursday, where they went from 0-2 to 4-2, with the first goal of Haaland in 2023, is the sign of a reboot.
Against Wolves, who have also raised their heads somewhat since the arrival on the bench of Julen Lopetegui, even if they are still only 17th, City have shown patience.
The first attempts of Haaland, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gündogan or Rodri either did not find the frame or made José Sa shine in the cages.
But at the first action perfectly carried out, the spontaneous center of Kevin de Bruyne, found by Riyad Mahrez, was taken over victoriously by Haaland, a header higher than everyone at the far post (1-0, 40th).
Haaland added a penalty (2-0, 50th) and a third goal on a caviar from Mahrez, on which Sa had sent the ball directly (3-0, 54th), before leaving just after the hour mark with the sense of duty accomplished.
This is his fourth hat-trick in 19 league games, where the previous record, held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, was 65 matches.
And only Alan Shearer, in 1996-1997, scored more hat-tricks in one season (5).
With 25 goals, Haaland has also already surpassed the tally of last year's two top scorers, Son Heung-min and Mohamed Salah (23).
Suffice to say that Arsenal knows what to expect: the theoretical eight-point lead it has with its two games less may not weigh heavily if it eases off on its side.
In five days, the two rivals will already meet face to face for a round of 16 in the FA Cup at the Etihad, before meeting again, in the league this time, on February 15 at the Emirates.
© 2023 AFP