Haaland Fires Warning Shot at Arsenal: "We Shouldn't" Let Title Race Slip Away
Manchester City star Erling Haaland cautioned his squad against becoming too preoccupied with Arsenal's progress, urging them to concentrate on their own game following a display he described as falling short of expectations.
What should have been a celebratory evening for Haaland, who set a new Premier League record by reaching 100 goals faster than any player before him with his opening strike against Fulham on Tuesday, turned into a concerning affair. Despite City establishing a commanding 5-1 advantage at Craven Cottage, they watched their lead evaporate dramatically.
Samu Chukwueze's second spectacular volley within four minutes brought the score to 5-4 with fifteen minutes left on the clock, creating a tense finale that left Haaland far from satisfied.
The midweek victory, despite its chaotic nature, moved City to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, with the league leaders set to face Brentford on Wednesday.
When presented with the Player of the Match accolade following the thrilling encounter, Haaland was questioned about the result's importance regarding the championship battle. "Naturally, it matters," he shared with Sky Sports. "Arsenal visited this venue and secured victory too. We understand the challenge of playing here, and Fulham represents quality opposition.
Pep Guardiola has had some serious firepower at his disposal. pic.twitter.com/UcYfMA3bR8
"However, we mustn't dwell excessively on Arsenal," Haaland cautioned. "Our attention should remain on our own performance, seeking improvement and preventing situations like today's occurrence, as it falls below our standards and we're all aware of this. Team development must be our primary concern."
Pep Guardiola adopted a more optimistic view of his team's near-meltdown. "This only occurs in this competition," he enthusiastically told Match of the Day. "We delivered an excellent performance... Look, there were genuinely encouraging aspects in our execution. Coming to this ground, netting five goals, and our first-half display.
"Ultimately it came down to mental strength, determination and defensive solidity. They accomplished what was required."
'I'm Aware'—Haaland Discusses Alan Shearer's Premier League Scoring Record
Having broken Alan Shearer's milestone in reaching triple figures, Haaland was questioned about potentially overtaking the former England striker's all-time tally of 260 Premier League goals. "I'm aware of it," the 25-year-old responded casually, "but I don't dwell on such matters."
If Haaland maintains his near goal-per-match ratio, he would theoretically need just over four additional campaigns to eclipse that benchmark. City have worked diligently to secure their prolific striker's services well beyond that timeframe, with Haaland committed to a deal running until 2034.
Instead of focusing on future milestones, the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker was more troubled by the opportunities he squandered against Fulham.
"I should have scored three," he admitted to Match of the Day. "I had several opportunities. I must work on my finishing."