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Football London
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Aaron Catterson-Reid

Erling Haaland delivers honest Arsenal verdict ahead of crucial Man City title clash

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has given his thoughts on Arsenal ahead of tonight's top-of-the-table Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's side have sat on top of the league table for the majority of the season, although a City victory on Wednesday evening would see the reigning champions return to the summit on goal difference, albeit having played an extra league match this term. The Gunners have fallen into a mini-rut in recent weeks, failing to win each of their last three fixtures across all competitions.

An FA Cup loss against City was followed up by a defeat in the league against Everton before they played out a controversial 1-1 draw with Brentford over the weekend. Arteta and Co. will now be desperate to get back to winnings ways but the Spaniard's record against his former mentor Pep Guardiola isn't good reading for Arsenal supporters.

READ MORE: Full Man City squad revealed for Arsenal clash amid Erling Haaland injury latest

In fact, the young coach has lost all five of his meetings against Guardiola, with his only victory against the Citizens coming in the FA Cup back in the 2020 semi-final. Now, City frontman Haaland has spoken about his admiration for the Gunners, claiming that being at the top of the table is where they belong.

Speaking about the north Londoners to Amazon Prime, the Norwegian said: "It's been good. When I look at the games, it's like I see City four years ago, you know?

"In a lot of different things but they are good, really it's impressive what Arteta's been doing [in the] last couple of years and how he's been developing the team together, it's impressive. Arsenal belong, of course, at the top and it's going to be a really interesting game now on Wednesday and I will really look forward to it."

Haaland came off at half-time of Sunday's 3-1 victory over Aston Villa after picking up a slight knock, sparking fears over his availability for the clash in north London. However, the former Borussia Dortmund forward has since been spotted in training ahead of his trip to the capital.

Speaking ahead of the clash against Arsenal, Guardiola said: "We train this afternoon. Right now I don’t know [if Haaland will be fit].

"Yesterday was about recovery from Aston Villa, that’s all." Haaland has netted 25 league goals already this term and is well on course to break Mohamed Salah's record for most Premier League goals in one campaign (32).

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