Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a chilling warning to Premier League rivals Arsenal, claiming Erling Haaland is performing at an even higher level now than during the club’s historic Treble-winning season.
Haaland, who fired 52 goals in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign, was back to his devastating best in Sunday’s Manchester derby. The Norwegian striker netted twice in the second half, punishing Manchester United with a clinical chipped finish over Altay Bayindir before racing clear of Harry Maguire to score again.
The brace capped off a stunning week for Haaland, who also netted five goals for Norway in their 11-1 demolition of Moldova during World Cup qualifying, taking his tally to seven strikes in just seven days.
Speaking after City’s derby win, Guardiola could not hide his admiration for the 25-year-old forward.
“Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic, and we want him to score goals and to help us,” the Spaniard said.
In City’s Treble year, Haaland’s 36 Premier League goals shattered the record for the most scored in a single season.
For Guardiola to suggest his striker has reached an even greater level now serves as a serious warning to the rest of the division particularly to Arsenal, who must find a way to stop him in their crucial Premier League clash next weekend.
