Erling Haaland has characterized Sunday’s crucial Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal as “like a final,” emphasizing the high stakes involved in the title race.
The upcoming showdown between the top two teams in the league is expected to have major implications for the championship outcome.
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Arsenal’s recent loss to Bournemouth last Saturday, combined with City’s win over Chelsea the following day, has narrowed the Gunners’ lead at the top to just six points. A victory for either team would provide a vital boost in their quest for Premier League success.
Following Sunday’s match, Arsenal will have five league games left, while City will have six.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the City striker emphasized the intense atmosphere surrounding the match.
Haaland believes Sunday’s match will be ‘like a final’ (Getty)
“It’s always exciting to compete, especially against the best because that’s what you strive for,” Haaland remarked.
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He added, “This is undoubtedly a huge match. We’re all aware of its significance. It feels like a final. Just like last weekend’s game against Chelsea, which also had that final feel. Let’s admit it.
“We’re facing a final every weekend for the next six weeks. It’s a huge game, possibly the biggest and best we’ll experience, and I hope it turns out to be truly memorable.
“These are the matches that every player wants to participate in; these are the moments that you dream of.”
This will mark the third encounter between City and Arsenal this season, with Pep Guardiola’s squad yet to suffer a defeat against their title rivals.
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The previous league matchup at the Emirates Stadium in September concluded in a 1-1 draw when Gabriel Martinelli scored a last-minute equalizer to cancel Haaland’s first-half goal.
City then triumphed 2-0 over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month, with Nico O’Reilly scoring both goals in the second half.