Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, has admitted that the club are still going through a rebuilding process as they prepare to compete with Arsenal for the Premier League title.
City maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign on Saturday, recording a third consecutive league victory after Haaland scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City.
Despite City’s strong beginning, Haaland believes Arsenal could have an advantage in the title race because of the continuity within their squad.
The Gunners have spent several years developing under their current setup, while City are adapting to significant changes following Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of last season.
Guardiola enjoyed a hugely successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, leading City to five successive Premier League titles before Liverpool ended their dominance.
Arsenal subsequently won the league last season.
Enzo Maresca has now taken charge at City and the club have made significant changes to their squad during the summer transfer window.
Speaking to Viaplay after the victory over Coventry, Haaland acknowledged the difference between City’s current situation and Arsenal’s greater squad stability.
“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,” the striker said. “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.”
City have invested heavily in reshaping their midfield during the summer, following the departures of long-serving stars Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
The reigning champions will now hope their strong start continues as Maresca attempts to build a new-look City side capable of challenging Arsenal for the title.
