- Focus shifts immediately to Burnley fixture
- Emphasis on humility despite recent result
- Warns squad against complacency
Manchester City have already turned their attention to the next challenge, with a clear message emerging from starman Erling Haaland following their latest result.
Man City secured a 2-1 victory against Arsenal today at the Etihad. It was an important fixture as City’s win now means that only a three-point difference remains between the teams.
Mikel Arteta was hoping to rest the game on equal terms after Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s first. However, the second half proved unlucky for the visitors.
Erling Haaland scored City’s winner despite missing on multiple occasions. He found the back of the net at the most important moment, and now the striker is focused on the title.
Haaland highlights game importance
For the Norwegian each game is the same at this point. The Citizens have inched closer to the title, but the Gunners can still win the remainder of their games and have their chance.
Hence, Haaland claims that treating every game with equal importance is crucial at this stage. He also told Sky Sports that staying humble will also be key to riding it out.
“Burnley is as important as this game, and as the Chelsea game was, so we need to focus, we need to stay humble, don’t think too much, and focus on the next”, the striker added.
Arsenal can still win the title
While Arteta’s men might’ve fumbled their way in the last two Premier League games, their competence wasn’t undermined at the Etihad today.
In fact, the Gunners displayed why they are at the top of the table. However, doubts are still circling the Londoners.
If they win all their games, the title might be theirs. Although a loss or draw is unacceptable as it can only be countered by a drop in their rivals’ form.
Goals scored might decide the title
The tides might’ve turned today, but the win against the Gunners doesn’t guarantee anything for the Sky Blues.
Even if they go on to win every upcoming game, they still stand behind Arsenal on goal difference. Arteta’s men have a +37 GD while the Citizens have a GD of +36.
The one game in hand does offer an advantage. If City and Arsenal win their games on the same goal difference, and Guardiola’s men win the extra game on only one goal difference, the tiebreaker goes to goals scored.
To date, Man City have scored more goals than Arsenal and scoring more in the end-of-season fixtures shouldn’t be a tall order considering their recent performances.
