Erling Haaland has ominous message for Arsenal as Man City look to cause more misery

Erling Haaland has issued a stark warning to Manchester City’s rivals, declaring he is in the best shape of his life and ready to net even more goals.

Since joining the Etihad two years ago, the 24-year-old Norwegian has racked up an impressive 91 goals in 100 City appearances after his latest strike at Chelsea on Sunday.

Despite struggling with knocks last season, Haaland still managed to score 27 Premier League goals. He now claims to be in better shape than ever, playing without any discomfort.

He said: “It was a good pre-season for me I’ve never felt better. In general, I don’t have any pain in my body which is the first time for a long time.

“It’s amazing you can push yourself more because you don’t have something in the back of your head. I had a long pre-season, I enjoyed it.

“I’ve had five weeks’ vacation, and I didn’t play in the Euros – if you look at it that way it’s really a positive as I had more rest in my head than others and a full pre-season. As a football player you need a vacation, and you need to relax your head.”

Haaland’s first two seasons at the Etihad saw him help stave off the challenge of Arsenal. In 2022-23, the Gunners ended five points adrift while 2023-24 saw them end just two points behind.

Haaland further warned Arsenal and any other competitor to four-in-a-row champions City that they are determined to improve even more this season. He also expressed his ambition to become an even better striker.

He said: “This is my life as a footballer you have pressure every day from the club, from the fans, from Pep [Guardiola]. All you want to do is perform well and make them happy.

“I want to improve, continue to improve and improve as a team. I think we played a good game today and it’s a good start. We take it game by game.

“It is fantastic to be back, three points, great team performance, a good start and we go again. Last year we didn’t win at Chelsea, and we didn’t win against Chelsea it’s a great start.

“It’s never easy to come to Stamford Bridge no matter when or whatever, to get three points here is a nice thing and I’m really happy.

“There are so many leaders in the group. You may not see it, but how calm the defence is and how much confidence they give us, keeping the ball… we have a lot of leaders in this team and I’m so happy to be here. I’m ready to go again.”