Erling Haaland Explains Why Arsenal Posed a ‘Bigger’ Threat Last Year to Manchester City’s Premier League Hopes

At last, the 2023/24 Premier League campaign comes to an end. Manchester City lifted their fourth consecutive silverware to close the season in style. Throughout the season, the history makers had a toe-to-toe battle against rivals Arsenal, who once again bottled the league. However, even though their arch-rivals took the title race to the final day, City star Erling Haaland believes that it was ‘last season’ when the Gunners made things harder for them.

Following Pep Guardiola and Co.’s 3-1 win over West Ham United, the Norwegian superstar was asked to compare the title race of the current and previous season. While speaking to Sky Sports Premier League, he said, “Last season [was harder], because we were eight points [behind Arsenal] at one time. This year I think we were like five, four, three points. So both, both were not bad.” 

While Haaland says so, stats suggest a different story. Notably, last year, City won the PL with 89 points, with Arsenal finishing just behind them with a difference of 5 points. However, this year, until the final day, Guardiola and Co. finished the season with 91 points, two more than Mikel Arteta’s side. Had City either drawn or lost their last night’s fixture against West Ham, we would have witnessed Arsenal lift the title. 

The Gunners, who last lifted a PL title in 2003/04, had also clinched a 2-1 against Everton in their final matchday. Remarkably, City’s closest title race remains with Liverpool during the 2021/22 season. The Reds lost the PL with a mere point gap with City’s tally of 93. Although many would have wanted a fairytale win for Arsenal this year, Haaland is making everyone realize what kind of benchmark City has established with their 4 consecutive wins. 

Erling Haaland underscores the importance of ‘incredible’ 4 consecutive Premier League triumphs

While Erling Haaland heaped both clubs for their efforts, he highlighted the importance of Manchester City’s historic PL record wins. “Look how difficult it is to win one PL trophy, this club has done it four years in a row. People don’t understand how good this is, how incredible an achievement this is, so all praises to the whole club. It’s really incredible,” he said while speaking to BBC Match of the Day. 

The Sky Blues had a commendable run of games in the final few games as they were able to chase Arsenal’s points. Unfortunately, the Londoners remained unbeaten for the majority of the course, yet, stumbled to finish the season empty-handed. Either way, it’s all water under the bridge now, as the focus must be on bigger and better things. Rest, we leave Manchester City to celebrate their remarkable win.