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. They simply have to win today to take advantage of Arsenal’s nerves and slip up at the Emirates. Chelsea, although they are inconsistent, can be a quality opponent on their day. Especially at home. You do sense that if City are to pile the pressure on Arsenal and win today, Erling Haaland will have to have a big say in today’s match.

Pep Guardiola knows how important it is for City to have Erling Haaland scoring goals.

It was a welcome sight last weekend to see Erling Haaland bang in a hat trick. Haaland bursting back into life may also send a shudder of fear into everyone associated with Arsenal. More important than any of that, it was massive for Manchester City to see Haaland back amongst the goals. This wasn’t lost on Pep Guardiola. Speaking on Friday, ahead of Manchester City’s clahs with Chelsea, the Manchester City manager said it was important for his team to have Haaland hitting the score sheet. He explained: “It’s so important for us (to see Haaland scoring). I said in November, the goals will always be there, he’s a machine, but I liked the second one, he made the movement to the near post.Sometimes you need a reset, it’s always in the mindset, how positive you are.”

“It’s how you forget the bad shot, like in the Masters, if you make a bogey, forget it, next shot. That’s what defines the top athletes. Every season Erling will be better and better.”

Erling Haaland looks to have turned the corner in terms of his form, and the goals look to have returned for the Norwegian international. That could be huge across the back end of this season. When Haaland is in full flight, Manchester City has a weapon in their armory that Arsenal simply does not have. That could prove to be crucial in the title race, and City will be hoping that Haaland can pick up where he left off last weekend against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today.