Manchester City look have a weapon up front back in form that Arsenal simply do not have
Manchester City look have a weapon up front back in form that Arsenal simply do not have Erling Haaland scored a hat trick last weekend as Manchester City trounced Liverpool 4-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final tie at the Etihad Stadium. Aside from goals, Haaland looked back to his best, as his overall performance against Arne Slot’s side resembled Haaland in full flight. As the race for this season’s Premier League title looks set to heat up after Arsenal’s shock defeat to Bournemouth yesterday, if Haaland is back to his best, Pep Guardiola’s side has a weapon that Arsenal simply does not have, which could prove to be decisive in this season’s title race.
Erling Haaland back in form could be huge for Manchester City, starting today against Chelsea. Across the opening three months of 2026, Erling Haaland had hit a form slump. The goals dried up for the Norwegian international, and at times, it did seem like the toll of a busy season had caught up to Manchester City’s star striker.
It would be harsh to say that Haaland was listless throughout the early stages of 2026. He was still working hard for his team, but the goals dried up for him. That all changed against Liverpool last weekend.
Erling Haaland scored a hat trick and all of a sudden he looked to have burst back into life. He calmly converted a penalty, scored his second with a clever header, and his third came after a trademark Haaland finish from a Nico O’Reilly cross. It was a typical, powerful display from Haaland when he is at his best.
Manchester City will be hoping the form that Haaland showed last weekend carries into today’s massive Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Pep Guardiola’s side simply must pick up three points today against Liam Rosenior’s side. Arsenal’s surprise defeat at the hands of Bournemouth yesterday has opened the door for City.