We’ll go crazy if we overthink title race, warns Erling

ERLING HAALAND warned Manchester City to forget Arsenal’s title challenge or risk driving themselves ‘crazy’ as they chase a fourth consecutive Premier League crown. The Norwegian scored the clincher in the second half shortly after coming on as a substitute and though City did not play particularly well, they will take the title if they win their remaining four games. With his father Alfie watching from the directors’ box, Haaland struck his 21st league goal of the season to go clear again at the top of the charts. ‘I think the most important thing is to not think, especially in these moments,’ he said. ‘It’s about taking it day by day. Honestly, if you overthink, you’re going to be crazy in your head, so relax now, enjoy it and focus on the next one.’

Having played at Brighton only three days earlier, City looked short of energy and boss Pep Guardiola believes his players have no room for error in their remaining games. He said: ‘I don’t think Arsenal will drop any more points. It is like what happened in the past with Liverpool. We have four games left and it’s like climbing a big mountain. If we draw a game we are not going to win the league. The performance here was not particularly good.’

Forest remain only a point above the relegation zone and two of their final three games are against relegated Sheffield United and Burnley. The club expect to hear this week whether their appeal against a four-point deduction for breaking spending rules has been successful. Boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘Hopefully we hear soon and we can deal with the reality. It will make a big difference — not just for us but for all the league.’