Erling Haaland talks about Gabriel rivalry and the Golden Boot competition before the match against Arsenal

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has discussed the upcoming title clash with Arsenal and the challenge of facing Gabriel Magalhães in a recent interview.

Pep Guardiola’s men could significantly impact Arsenal‘s title ambitions if they continue their winning streak – having claimed three victories last month against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, and Chelsea in the Premier League.

The Blues took advantage of Arsenal's recent slip-up against Bournemouth last week, securing a strong 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, narrowing the gap to six points behind the north Londoners ahead of this weekend’s showdown.

This weekend, Manchester City will face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, with the match potentially having significant implications for the Premier League trophy race.

Haaland: It’s a huge game vs Arsenal

In an interview with ESPN FC, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland shared his thoughts on the upcoming match against the league leaders. “It’s going to be an amazing game, I’m sure. A big game against Arsenal. It’s going to be a nice game, hopefully,” the Norwegian stated.

Regarding the challenge of facing Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, Haaland remarked: “It’s always a good challenge against him. Arsenal have been one of the best teams in Europe the last few seasons.

“They’re good; Gabriel (Magalhães) is good, (William) Saliba is good, (David) Raya is good. It’s not easy, but what can we do? We have to try.”

In a separate conversation with official Manchester City media, the Leeds-born star emphasized: “It is a huge game coming up. You should stay calm in your head, don’t think too much, because that’s the worst thing that can happen.

“How do I prepare? Train good, prepare well tactically with the team and try to be free in your mind. Don’t think too much, don’t overthink, think positively, try to get ready for the game mentally and physically. It’s my job (to be prepared properly).”

Golden Boot race will be interesting, says Haaland

Haaland currently leads the Premier League scoring charts with 22 goals, while Brentford’s Igor Thiago trails closely behind with 21 goals.

Discussing the Golden Boot race, Haaland remarked: “I think Igor (Thiago) has had an amazing season so far for Brentford, he’s been showing some great qualities. So yeah, it’s going to be an interesting fight.”

Manchester City are in strong form, entering the clash following a victory in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, their first trophy in two seasons, alongside key wins over Liverpool and Chelsea, keeping their hopes for a domestic treble alive.

Haaland will be eager to continue this winning streak as Mikel Arteta‘s team arrives in town, with Guardiola rallying his players to seize what could be Arsenal’s best opportunity in 22 years to reclaim the Premier League title.