All eyes will be on Erling Haaland when Arsenal face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian has been a threat against the Gunners and has hurt them on a few occasions in the past. However, there have also been games where Arsenal’s defenders have managed to keep him quiet.
That battle will once again be crucial in what could be a title-deciding clash between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday.
Before the game, Haaland has revealed how Mikel Arteta sets his side up against him.
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Erling Haaland says Arsenal tactic is ‘good’ for him
Arsenal have often tried to deal with Erling Haaland by surrounding him with multiple defenders.
The idea is to limit his space and stop him from getting into dangerous positions. It is a tactic that has worked at times, especially when William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been at their best.
However, Haaland does not see that approach as a negative.
In fact, the Manchester City star believes it can actually benefit him because of what it means for his role in the game to those around him, as he takes attention away from them.
Speaking about the battle on Sunday, Haaland said on Sky Sports: “It’s always a fight.
“They normally have loads of players around me, which is a good thing for me. That means it’s a good thing.
“It’s not easy to play against many players around me.
“But yeah, it’s always a nice fight, and it’s always good to, as I said, play against the best because that’s something you want to do.”
Is Pep Guardiola being honest here or is he playing mind games?
Arsenal must find a way to keep Erling Haaland quiet
Haaland is one of the most lethal goal scorers on the planet.
The former Borussia Dortmund man can decide games on his own, which is why giving him even a single clear chance can be enough for him to make the difference.
That is why Arsenal’s defensive pairing of Saliba and Gabriel will have to be at their absolute best.
They have shown in the past that they can handle him, and there’s no reason why they can’t do it again.
If they manage to keep him quiet again, Arsenal’s chances of winning will increase significantly.
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