The stakes are clear for Manchester City today as Erling Haaland has spelt out

“We started a bit sloppy, but we finished really strong, we are doing good and we are hungry for more. We need to continue and try to play our game as always. Don’t think too much, play engaging football, try to enjoy the game and win games.”

“Of course. City is a club that you should come to and win trophies. We won a trophy a few weeks ago which was a nice feeling. We have to build on that.”

Manchester City’s mentality will be key as the stake raise.

Erling Haaland has been down the road that Manchester City are on before. He was a key member of Manchester City’s treble triumph during the 2022-23 season and City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title win in 2023-24. Haaland knows how high the stakes are at this point of the season. Every game is a final, starting today against Arsenal.

A key element that could be crucial in today’s game and across the run-in is Manchester City’s mentality. City seem to have locked in in recent matches as they have performed at their best against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Manchester City seem to be riding a wave, and they are carrying serious momentum into today’s match against Mikel Arteta’s side. The mentality of this City side has seemingly gone up a gear. They seem focused on the job at hand, and their play is seemingly matching their mentality. With every game resembling a final, Manchester City’s mentality could be an integral component of the run-in.

Every game from here is a final for Manchester City, as Erling Haaland has pointed out. Today’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Arsenal is the first of those finals. City’s top scorer knows the stakes at this point of the season, and Manchester City’s mentality, which is led by Pep Guardiola, could be a decisive factor in today’s match and across the final stages of this season.