Erling Haaland makes Arsenal Premier League claim after Man City beat Coventry | Football

Erling Haaland believes that Manchester City are still in a ‘rebuilding phase’ when compared to defending Premier League champions Arsenal.

City have endured a summer of upheaval with the departure of Pep Guardiola as well as key players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

But the club has made a bright start to life under new boss Enzo Maresca, maintaining their perfect start to the new league campaign with a 1-0 win over Coventry City on Saturday.

Haaland scored the game’s winning goal early in the first half, heading home Antoine Semenyo’s superb cross after 26 minutes.

The Norwegian striker spurned a golden opportunity to double his side’s lead before the break as he fired straight at Carl Rushworth when played through on goal by Rayan Cherki.

And while Coventry fought back well after the break, City dug deep to secure the win and move temporarily top of the table.

‘I think we started really well and I think the first half was a really good half, created loads of chances,’ Haaland said, speaking to the club’s official website.

‘I think I should have scored a few more goals, to be honest but I didn’t, so I need to practice more on that!

‘Second half we started really well as well but we managed to get them a little bit into the game which was not ideal but we won, we get three points and we kept a clean sheet which is also important so a good start to the season.’

Despite a summer of transition, City are still expected to be one of Arsenal’s main rivals for the league title again this season.

The Gunners face their sternest test of the season so far on Sunday when they take on Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea at the Emirates.

But Haaland believes that Mikel Arteta’s side already find themselves in a strong position heading into this campaign due to their settled squad, which has grown alongside the Spaniard for several years now.

‘Arsenal have played together for a long time and have built this up over a longer period, a bit like City had when I first joined,’ Haaland told Viaplay.

‘We’re still in a kind of rebuilding phase, but the transfer window has been fantastic, I have to say.

‘Well done to the club and the people at the club. First and foremost, they’ve brought in fantastic footballers, but also great people who fit in really well. So well done to the whole club.’

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