Arsenal can only "laugh" at Haaland's extraordinary form

Erling Haaland is on blistering form. The Norwegian was the difference-maker once again for Manchester City in their 2-1 win against Brentford on Saturday, scoring a brace to increase his goal tally in the Premier League to nine from four matches played so far. If that wasn't remarkable enough, the striker currently has 99 goals in 103 appearances - entering his third year at the Manchester City. 

Arsenal, on the other hand, responded with a 0-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby to keep themselves close to City, as they sit two points behind the champions. The Gunners will travel to the Etihad on Sunday for their next Premier League game, knowing they will have to stop the City hitman if they want to take home the three points.  However, midfielder Jorginho insists that the Gunners are not fazed by Haaland despite his intimidating records.

“Erling scoring again … it is starting to make us laugh,” Jorginho said. “We look because we look at all the games and we love football. We love the Premier League so we watch all the games. We watch [City] as well, which is normal. It doesn’t get to our head. We need to focus on us and that is what we are trying to do.”

Man City's perfect start to the season does not worry the Italian, who will not settle for a point in Sunday's showdown. "If you want to achieve big things you need to have the mentality of trying to win every single game," he said. "That is what we need to do and that is what we want to do. You have to keep believing in what you are doing. We are doing that and we keep working hard to improve and doing right the things. We are on the right path and we need to keep it going,"

Prior to their trip to Manchester, Arsenal face Atalanta in their opening match of the Champions League on Thursday. "It will be a really tough and physical game. They are a very physical team. It is not going to be easy, and it will be a hot atmosphere in Italy. We need to be ready for another battle," he concluded. Meanwhile, before facing the Gunners, Man City host Inter on Wednesday, where Haaland will look to reach the century mark.

 

September 14, 2024