SOCCER: Burnley game is like a final, says Man City's Haaland

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland described their upcoming Premier League match against Burnley as a “final” following Sunday’s 2-1 win over leaders Arsenal, a result that gave City the opportunity to move to the top of the table with a midweek victory.

Arsenal have led the standings since October, but City—who still have a game in hand—closed the gap to three points with their win at the Etihad Stadium. A victory on Wednesday would see Pep Guardiola’s side draw level on points with the London club and potentially move into first place on goal difference or goals scored, depending on the margin of the result.

“On Wednesday we’re having a final. The Burnley game is as important as this game,” Haaland, who scored the decisive goal against Arsenal, told Sky Sports. “We need to focus, stay humble.”

Arsenal, who are seeking their first Premier League title since 2004, will next face Newcastle United on Saturday. -Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters