Erling Haaland Back and Ready to Help Manchester City Cross the Finish Line

Manchester City have a real threat in Arsenal as the Blues strive to write their name in the history books. Winning the Premier League title for a fourth consecutive season has never been done before. That in itself brings enormous pressure. But having a title rival that is bent on dethroning you makes things even more difficult.

So the team could do with all the help it can get, to get the job done. Erling Haaland has been the difference maker since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium. The 22-year-old broke records last season as he helped City achieve an unprecedented treble.

After having a relatively below par season this time around, based on the extremely high standards he has already set, he seems ready to finish strong. The Norwegian marked his return from injury by scoring the second in a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The goal was significant in calming the nerves as City struggled to keep up with Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side won away at Tottenham earlier in the day, to heap pressure on Pep Guardiola and his team.

Winning the derby away against their north London rivals underscores the threat posed by Arsenal in the title race. So City are now in a very difficult position.

Facing Bournemouth at home, out-of-form Manchester United and Everton in the last three games, it is clear Arsenal will be there until the end. The Gunners are very capable of winning the last three games. So City must match their determination by winning their own games.

Fortunately for the Blues, they currently hold the advantage in the race with the game in hand. So only capitulation can deny them the title at this point. City must win the remaining matches against Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham United.

Haaland will be crucial to achieve that.

The City frontman has not been as lethal in front of goal this season. He has so far scored 21 times in 27 league games. Compared to 36 goals in 35 appearances last term, the standard has dropped. But that's understandable. Last season's performance was extraordinary.

Keeping up such standards several years in a row will be difficult. In fact, almost impossible for anyone not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But Haaland is not very far behind.

Even if the forward ends the season with 22 to 25 goals, that will still be a good season especially if City clinch the title at the end of the campaign.

After sitting out the FA Cup win against Chelsea and the away trip to Brighton due to injury, he was back to see out the win against Nottingham Forest with a goal. That will do a world of good to his confidence to finish up strong.

City will need him firing on all cylinders to win all the remaining matches and end the campaign on a high. With chief creator Kevin De Bruyne fit and available, that is a distinct possibility.

Haaland only needs to concentrate on finishing chances created.