Arsenal dressing room reaction to Erling Haaland goals speaks volumes of title hopes

Arsenal’s players are brushing off the impressive goalscoring exploits of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, according to Jorginho. The City striker has netted an astonishing nine goals in his first four games, outscoring any other team in the Premier League this season.

Despite this, Arsenal, who will face City on Sunday in a clash between two title contenders, are refusing to let it affect their mindset.

Jorginho revealed that Haaland’s scoring streak has become a source of amusement within the Arsenal dressing room. He said: “Erling scoring again, it is starting to make us laugh! We look because we look at all the games and we love football.

He added that the team remains focused on their own performance, stating: “Again it doesn’t get to our head. We need to focus on us and that is what we are trying to do.”

The upcoming match will see the league’s top scorers, City, go up against Arsenal, who boasted the stingiest defence last season, conceding only 29 goals. Remarkably, Arsenal have only conceded one goal in their first four games this season.

The last time Arsenal failed to secure a win away from home was during a goalless draw at the Etihad last March, since then they have enjoyed a six-game winning streak on the road.

Arsenal faced criticism for their overly defensive approach in last season’s match against Manchester City, which resulted in a draw rather than a victory.

City midfielder Rodri suggested that this defensive strategy was the reason Arsenal missed out on the title.

Jorginho, Arsenal’s captain, emphasised the need for the team to aim for victory in every game they play, stating: “Yeah, if you want to achieve big things you need to have the mentality of trying to win every single game. That is what we need to do and that is what we want to do. That is what we are trying to do.”

He continued: “You need to keep in this way. Keep believing in what you are doing. We are believing in what we are doing and we keep working hard to improve on what we need to improve and keep doing right the things we are doing right. I think we are on the right way and we need to keep it going.”

Jorginho also noted that the team has improved since last season, saying: “I think we have improved since last season. I think the team is working together, going through the process together. You learn more about each other. You just get better because everyone wants to improve and wants the best for the team. When you all put the team first, then I think good things can happen.”

Jorginho made his first appearance of the season as he led Arsenal to a victory over Tottenham in the north London derby.

The Italy international, 32, got his chance because Martin Odegaard was out injured and Declan Rice was suspended. They now face Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night before City and Jorginho says the whole squad will have to play their part if they are to be successful this season.

He added: “We know it is a long season and anything can happen. Everybody needs to be ready. That is what we try to do. We are very positive and trust our group and what we are doing. We need to keep on this way.

“Manchester City is going to come after. We need to focus on the next game. There is Champions League now and that is our focus.

“Atalanta will be a really tough and physical game. They are a very physical team. It is not going to be easy, for sure. A hot atmosphere in Italy. We need to be ready for another battle.”