Erling Haaland has worrying message for Arsenal as Manchester City look to cause more misery

Erling Haaland has issued a stern warning to rivals Manchester City, saying he is in the best shape of his life and ready to score even more goals.

Since joining the Etihad two years ago, the 24-year-old Norwegian has racked up an impressive 91 goals in 100 appearances for City following his latest strike at Chelsea on Sunday.

Despite suffering injuries last season, Haaland still managed to score 27 Premier League goals and now claims to be in better shape than ever, playing without any discomfort.

He said: “It was a good pre-season for me, I've never felt so good. In general, I don't have any pain in my body, which is the first time in a long time.

“It's incredible to be able to give it your all because you have nothing in mind. I had a long pre-season, I enjoyed it.

“I had five weeks of holiday and I didn't play the Euros. If you look at it that way, it's really positive because I had more rest in my head than others and a full pre-season. As a footballer you need a holiday and you need to relax.”

Haaland's first two seasons at the Etihad saw him hold off Arsenal. In 2022-23, the Gunners finished five points behind, while in 2023-24 they finished just two points behind.

Haaland also warned Arsenal and any other challengers to four-time English champions City that they are determined to improve further this season. He also expressed his ambition to become an even better striker.

He said: “This is my life as a footballer. You are under pressure every day from the club, from the fans, from Pep. [Guardiola]All you want is to perform well and make them happy.

“I want to improve, continue to improve and improve as a team. I think we played a good game today and it’s a good start. We take it one game at a time.

“It's fantastic to be back, three points, a great team performance, a good start and here we go again. Last year we didn't win at Chelsea, and we didn't win against Chelsea, it's a good start.

“It's never easy to come to Stamford Bridge, no matter when or what, to get three points here is a beautiful thing and I'm really happy.

“There are so many leaders in the group. You may not see it, but the calmness of the defense and the confidence they give us by keeping the ball… we have a lot of leaders in this team and I'm very happy to be here. I'm ready to go again.”