‘We need to stop him from scoring‘ – Arsenal boss will target Erling Haaland

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will need to stop Erling Haaland from scoring if they are to stand any chance in Sunday’s game.

The Norwegian striker already has 10 goals for club and country this season, and will be looking to add to his tally this weekend. However he will be up against a formidable Arsenal defence who have only conceded one goal in all competitions this season.

Earlier this season, City boss Pep Guardiola called Haaland ‘unstoppable’:

“He’s playing much better in everything,” Guardiola said. “He stays 20 minutes or half an hour after training sessions. Last season not even once was he there because he didn’t feel good – tired, niggles.

“What he needs is the team to give him more balls in the final third. We’re going to create those situations. He’s unstoppable, there’s no central defender, not even with a gun to stop him.”

Haaland has scored 9 goals in the Premier League season, more goals than most clubs have recorded this campaign.

Arsenal aim to nullify Erling Haaland

The Gunners successfully stopped Erling Haaland from scoring in their last two meetings with Manchester City and Mikel Arteta says he hopes it can continue:

“We always look at the individuals and the strengths that they have and how we can nullify that.”

“When you see the stats and the number of goals that he scores then you can tell that he is one of the main sources. We need to stop him from scoring.”

The Norwegian striker was given a tough time by Inter Milan’s defence during the week, with Francesco Acerbi doing a brilliant man marking job on him.

Defence will be key on Sunday

Gabriel and William Saliba have been Mikel Arteta’s first choice pairing, and will no doubt have a job on their hands with Erling Haaland.

Arteta believes the duo are up to the task of keeping the striker quiet:

”They are in a great moment and have been very, very consistent for the past two seasons together. There is an unbelievable chemistry there and you can sense it. They gave us a lot tonight – I thought they were both exceptional.”

When asked about Arsenal’s lack of chance creation from open play in recent weeks, Mikel Arteta says it is not a huge worry for him.

“We need more for sure. There’s no question about that and we have been really open about discussing that. But the chances have to be created because the process has to be good. That’s what we need, consistency.”

The Spaniard says this Sunday, Arsenal are going to the Etihad with something to prove as they seek to record their fourth win in five Premier League games this season.