- Erling Haaland praises Arsenal’s defence ahead of Man City clash on Sunday
- Norwegian leads Premier League goalscoring charts with 22 strikes
- City’s number nine previews battle with Gunners and discusses Igor Thiago race
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has discussed Sunday’s title decider with Arsenal and the challenge of facing Gabriel Magalhães in a new interview.
Pep Guardiola’s men can deliver a monumental blow to Arsenal‘s title chances if they can build on a run of three wins in three – against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final and Chelsea in the Premier League – in the last month.
The Blues capitalised on Arsenal slipping up at home against Bournemouth last week by securing a convincing 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to move six points adrift of the north Londoners ahead of this weekend’s clash of the titans.
Manchester City vs Arsenal (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch
The world will be watching on as Manchester City take on Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening for 90 minutes that will play a major telling role on the destination of the Premier League trophy in May.
Haaland: It’s a huge game vs Arsenal
In conversation with ESPN FC, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has previewed his side’s showdown with the Premier League leaders. “It’s going to be an amazing game, I’m sure. A big game against Arsenal. It’s going to be a nice game, hopefully,” the Norwegian said.
On the prospect of facing Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, Haaland added: “It’s always a good challenge against him. Arsenal have been one of the best teams in Europe the last few seasons.
“They’re good; Gabriel (Magalhães) is good, (William) Saliba is good, (David) Raya is good. It’s not easy, but what can we do? We have to try.”
Speaking to official Manchester City media, the Leeds-born star added: “It is a huge game coming up. You should stay calm in your head, don’t think too much, because that’s the worst thing that can happen.
“How do I prepare? Train good, prepare well tactically with the team and trying to be free in your mind. Don’t think too much, don’t overthink too much, think positively, try to get ready for the game mentally and physically. It’s my job (to be prepared properly).”
Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Arsenal (Premier League)
Golden Boot race will be interesting, says Haaland
Haaland sits top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with 22 strikes to his name, with Brentford’s Igor Thiago right on the Manchester City number nine’s heels with 21 goals so far.
On the Premier League Golden Boot race, Haaland added: “I think Igor (Thiago) has had an amazing season so far for Brentford, he’s been showing some great qualities. So yeah, it’s going to be an interesting fight.”
Manchester City are in a rich vein of form and are entering Sunday’s contest off the back of winning the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal – their first trophy in two seasons – and claiming crucial wins over Liverpool and Chelsea to keep their hopes of a domestic treble well and truly alive.
Haaland will be desperate to extend this winning run when Mikel Arteta‘s side come to town on Sunday as Guardiola rallied his troops to pull off another miraculous hijack of what has looked like Arsenal’s best chance to end their 22-year Premier League title hoodoo.
