‘I’m ready’ - Erling Haaland sends Man City title message to Arsenal

Erling Haaland has said he and his Manchester City team-mates are ready to ‘attack the last five finals’ of the season.

The Blues face four more games in the Premier League title race and know if they can take a maximum of 12 points then City will win a record-breaking fourth consecutive league title. The campaign ends with a trip to Wembley to face Manchester United in another FA Cup final, and presents Pep Guardiola with the opportunity to become the first manager in English football to win back-to-back league and cup doubles.

A 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday kept those dreams alive. Haaland returned from a two-match injury absence to net the second and essentially kill the game off at the City Ground.

It’s a result that leaves the Cityzens a point behind leaders Arsenal - crucially with a game in hand - and Haaland said he feels excited at this crucial period in the season.

“I’m ready – I had a bit of a problem and it’s nice to bounce back when we went out to Madrid in the Champions League," he said. "It’s been scratching inside of me to get back and now I’m back and feeling good. I’m ready to attack the last five finals.”

“It’s nice – exactly like last season. This is maybe the most exciting time to be a footballer.”

City head into the final weeks of the season in impressive form. Guardiola’s side have not lost in 31 matches in all competitions, and have won the last five league games.

It’s a familiar story for City, who so often peak at this stage of the campaign. Five of the current squad - John Stones, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden - have already collected five league titles, and the winning experience in the squad could prove decisive over the coming weeks.

"There are not many who can relate but this is why I play football – the feeling before the game, you’re a bit nervous,” said Haaland. “This is fantastic and it’s why I love football because of these feelings.

“So many of these guys have done it before and it’s about keeping the head calm and not wanting too much. We relax, smile and enjoy our time then we focus on the next game.”