Erling Haaland has warned Manchester City’s rivals Arsenal he is ready to attack the run-in after recovering from injury, pledging the champions will keep their cool in the heat of the title race.
Haaland missed two games – an FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea and a 4-0 Premier League rout of Brighton and Hove Albion – after sustaining a muscle injury during City’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid, who prevailed on penalties after a 4-4 aggregate draw.
The Norwegian returned with a bang on Sunday, though, coming off the bench to score the all-important second goal in City’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
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The champions remain one point behind Arsenal with a game in hand, knowing four wins from four games will ensure they capture an unprecedented fourth straight title.
Haaland – who now leads the Premier League’s Golden Boot race outright with 21 goals for the season – is raring to go.
“I’m ready – I had a bit of a problem and it’s nice to bounce back from when we went out to Madrid in the Champions League,” he said.
“It’s been scratching inside of me to get back, and now I’m back and feeling good. I’m ready to attack the last five finals.”
A slick passing move leading to @ErlingHaaland‘s goal at Forest! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/y489mB3aYv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 29, 2024
With Liverpool’s title hopes fading during a miserable April for Jurgen Klopp’s side, it now appears to be a straight shoot-out for the trophy between City and Arsenal – just as it was last season.
Some accused Arsenal of being overly emotional as their title charge collapsed in 2022-23, and Haaland says there is no chance of City replicating that mistake.
“It’s nice – exactly like last season. This is maybe the most exciting time to be a footballer,” Haaland added.
“There’s not many who can relate but this is why I play football, for the feeling before the game, when you’re a bit nervous.
“This is fantastic and it’s why I love football because of these feelings. So many of these guys have done it before and it’s about keeping the head calm and not wanting it too much.
“We relax, smile and enjoy our time then we focus on the next game.”
