Manchester City striker Erling Haaland joked that Arsenal fan Laura Woods ‘probably doesn’t like him’ during a live TNT Sports interview after City’s win over Real Madrid
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland quipped that Laura Woods ‘probably doesn’t like me’ due to her Arsenal allegiances, following his goal that secured a victory for Pep Guardiola’s team against Real Madrid. His winner ensured City continue their impressive run of form.
After a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, the win over Xabi Alonso’s side has brought City closer to securing a spot in the top eight during the league phase of the tournament. Their Premier League counterparts, Arsenal, have virtually guaranteed their position in the top eight, unless they suffer a catastrophic downfall in their remaining two European matches.
Mikel Arteta’s team currently boasts an unblemished winning record in the Champions League. City trail the Gunners by just five points and are considered one of the favourites to win the competition alongside their domestic rivals.
Guardiola’s squad has also been performing exceptionally well domestically, capitalising on Arsenal’s recent dip in form by winning four out of their last five matches, closing the gap to just two points behind the Gunners.
City has emerged as the most likely challenger for the Gunners in the title race this season, while Liverpool struggle under Arne Slot, despite their dominant title win last season.
Woods, a devoted Arsenal supporter, questioned Haaland about whether he believed City had the necessary experience to challenge her team for the title.
She asked: “Erling we’ve got to let you go, but just before we do, fourth season now at Manchester City. Attention now is going to turn back to the Premier League.
“What sort of mood do you think your club is in at the moment and the experience you’ve had with this team to kick on and see out the rest of the season, are you feeling like you’re in a great position to chase down Arsenal?”
TNT Sports analysts Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman highlighted Woods’ loyalties, to which Haaland responded: “She probably doesn’t like me then,” which brought a chuckle from the TNT panel.
He added: “I don’t like to speak too much about this because I feel like we should focus on ourselves. Which City has been so good at for the last ten years, just focus on ourselves. Don’t think about others.
“Just try to win the next game and that’s what we need to do. Now we need to focus on – who is it – [Crystal] Palace on Sunday?
“It’s a really tough game and it’s not easy. We have to take it game by game. Now it’s a massive win so it’s about enjoying this for a few hours.
“Tomorrow you need to recover as good as you can because games are coming, look at the schedule. It’s incredible and it’s about staying fit. This is the most important, to stay fit, take it game by game and hopefully win on Sunday.”
Indeed, City will be back in action on Sunday when they face off against Palace at Selhurst Park, while Arsenal play host to Wolves in the 8pm kick-off the night before.
