Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific striker, insists he feels no anxiety ahead of what could be a decisive showdown with Arsenal on Sunday. The Norwegian forward believes his side are free from pressure because they have been playing catch‑up for the majority of the campaign and therefore have "nothing to lose".
City arrive at the crucial encounter – broadcast live on Sky Sports – with the knowledge that a string of seven victories in as many fixtures would almost certainly hand the Premier League crown back to the Etihad after a year‑long interlude at Liverpool. Yet Haaland, who has been under intense scrutiny after scoring just once in his previous five league outings, downplays the expectation that City will sustain the remarkable consistency they have shown in the final weeks of previous seasons to erase Arsenal’s six‑point advantage. "At the moment I’m quite calm," he told Sky Sports from the Etihad Campus training ground.
"It’s one game a week, which is really unusual for us. It barely happens.
Honestly, I don’t feel a lot of nerves because we’ve been chasing all season and we have nothing to lose, so there’s no pressure on me." When pressed about the Gunners, Haaland replied, "You’d have to ask Arsenal if they feel the pressure. I can’t speak for them. I can only speak for myself. I don’t feel a lot of pressure because we’re still behind." To end his personal goal drought, Haaland will need to outwit Arsenal’s defensive pair Gabriel and William Saliba – a task he failed to accomplish in City’s 1‑1 draw at the Emirates earlier in the season.
Although he has already found the net five times in ten appearances against the north London side since joining Manchester City, he will have to work hard to carve out space against what many consider the Premier League’s strongest central‑defensive partnership. He added, "It’s always a battle. They usually have a lot of players around me, which can be good. It’s not easy to play with many bodies closing you down, but it’s a nice fight.
Playing against the best is something you want – it pushes you to improve." City managed to shake off the weight of a title that now feels within reach after a tense first half at Chelsea, only to erupt in the second period with three goals in 17 minutes, securing a comfortable 3‑0 victory at Stamford Bridge. That win came a day after Arsenal’s unexpected home loss to Bournemouth, an event Haaland said turned every one of the club’s remaining eight matches into a cup final.
"It feels like a final every weekend now," he explained. "Last weekend against Chelsea felt like a final, and the same goes for this one. We have a massive game ahead – probably the biggest and best of the season – and we hope it will be an amazing spectacle. Everyone knows how important it is." After the Chelsea triumph, Haaland invited young defender Abdukodir Khusanov to join the City celebrations, allowing the Uzbekistan international to receive applause from the away supporters in west London.
The 22‑year‑old has enjoyed an impressive season, having needed a period to settle after his arrival, and is likely to start his eighth league match out of the last twelve against Arsenal. Although Haaland is only three years older than Khusanov, he described his gesture as part of a growing leadership role within the squad, drawing on his broader experience in the game. "Khusanov has been amazing for us," Haaland said.
"It’s not easy for him – moving to a new country, learning a new language, dealing with the pressure of being the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League. I may be 25, but I speak like I’m 35 because I’ve been through many situations.
It’s about helping others, making them comfortable, and sharing what I’ve learned." The upcoming clash is set to kick off at 4:30 pm on Sunday, with Sky Sports providing live coverage of the Premier League fixture. As the title race tightens, both sides understand the stakes: City aim to erase a six‑point deficit, while Arsenal look to protect their lead. Haaland’s calm demeanor and his willingness to embrace the challenge reflect a mindset that could prove decisive in what many are already dubbing a "final" for the season. The match promises high drama, relentless attacking intent, and a test of composure for the Norwegian striker, who will be eager to end his league goal drought and help his team reclaim the crown.