Manchester City face Arsenal on Sunday and Haaland is relishing “a good challenge” against the Gunners’ defender
Erling Haaland says he is looking forward to renewing his on-field battle with Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes when Manchester City face the Gunners in Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The two players met in last month’s Carabao Cup final, where City won 2-0, although Gabriel kept Haaland off the scoresheet. The Norway international expects another difficult contest against Arsenal’s defence.
“Of course, it’s always a good challenge against him,” Haaland said. “Arsenal have been one of the best teams in Europe for the last few seasons. So they are good. Gabriel is good, [William] Saliba is good, [goalkeeper David] Raya is good. So it’s not easy, but what can we do? We have to try.”
City go into the match six points behind league leaders Arsenal, though they have a game in hand and could close the gap with a win.
“It’s going to be an amazing game, I’m sure,” Haaland said. “A big game against Arsenal. It’s going to be a nice game, hopefully.”
Haaland is also competing for the Premier League Golden Boot, leading Igor Thiago by one goal with a current tally of 22. The striker has already won the award twice since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, losing it in the 2024-25 season to Mohamed Salah.
“I think Igor has had an amazing season so far for Brentford, he’s been showing some great qualities,” Haaland said. “So yeah, it’s going to be an interesting fight.”
The 25-year-old also addressed the club’s transition as experienced players move on, with Bernardo Silva set to leave when his contract expires this summer.
“Yeah, of course, it’s a generation that won plenty of trophies, you know, but everything comes to an end some day,” Haaland said.
“And then since I came to the club, plenty of players have left. You know, last season was Kyle Walker and Kevin [De Bruyne], who are amazing players and did so amazing for the club.
“And then it’s about the club replacing these players and for the new players to take responsibility and to help the club towards the right direction, winning trophies.”
