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Erling Haaland believes every game from now until the end of the season is a final for Manchester City, with their next English Premier League opponent none other than title rivals Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit atop the EPL table (70 points in 32 games), six points clear of second-placed City. However, Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, while the Gunners are also under pressure having only won one of their last five games across all competitions. Haaland senses the Gunners are ripe for the taking and urged his teammates to treat this as one of multiple do-or-die clashes as the league winds to a thrilling end.
“For sure, it [Arsenal clash] is a big part of the title decider. But there’s still plenty of games left and we have a final every single week now. Last week against Chelsea was a final, now against Arsenal it is another final,” said the Norwegian. Haaland also hoped the team can build on their strong finish to the game against Chelsea, which they won 3-0, and not overthink every detail when they face Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta
“[Our mentality is] really good. The last game against Chelsea was amazing. We started a bit sloppy, but we finished really strong. We are doing good and are hungry for more. We need to continue and try to play our game as always. Don’t think too much, play engaging football, and try to enjoy the game,” added Haaland.
City also hold a psychological edge over the Gunners, having beaten them 2-0 in the EFL Cup final last month. However, the last five fixtures between the two sides across all competitions paint a fairly even picture, with Arsenal and City having won one game each while drawing the other three.
We’re still very strong: Arsenal boss Arteta unconcerned by injury crisis
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is not flustered by injuries to key players, including Bukayo Saka, ahead of their English Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
Along with Saka, Noni Madueke has also been ruled out of the pivotal game, while skipper Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber are also under injury clouds.
“We have coped with injuries well throughout the season because of our mentality and the solutions that we find, the way the other players have stepped up [is great]. So, we are still very strong,” said the Spanish coach.
One
No of times Arsenal have won in their last five games across all competitions
Seven
No of goal contributions (goals + assists) by Erling Haaland in his last seven games vs Arsenal
Other Results
Brentford 0-0 Fulham
Newcastle 1-2 B’mouth
Leeds Utd 3-0 Wolves
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