Erling Haaland says matches like Sunday’s clash with Liverpool are what the City players relish most.

The Blues are looking to climb to the Premier League summit - and only a win at Anfield will do that.

Just one point separates the two sides going into the game, after Arsenal went top following a 2-1 win over Brentford in Saturday’s evening kick-off.

“I think how the Premier League is, it all comes down to being up there and to then, in the last few months, be the best team,” said Haaland.

“That is how you have to do it. It is going to be a really massive game and there are loads of upcoming nice games over the next months. That is why we play football, because of these games.

“They have got some great players as well. They have bought some new players too. [Dominik] Szoboszlai is amazing. 

“Liverpool have many great players, but the good thing is that we also have many good players.

“We need to be brave when we play our football, and we need to be ready. We will try to beat them.” 

With 29 goals from his 32 games, Haaland is back ion the groove after his two-month injury lay-off

The Norwegian has bagged 81 goals for City in just 85 appearances – a phenomenal return – but he says he isn’t focusing on personal milestones, just helping his team to dry and defend three titles in the months that remain.

“It is nice,” he said. “I try to help my team and we are still in the three competitions which is fantastic and the most important thing.

“I try and help the team with the way that I play and with my goals. 

“Last season was amazing, but it is history. This season is a whole new thing, so I cannot think about [goal targets]. 

“I would be crazy to think about this. I have to think about things game by game and to try to help the team win games. That is my main focus.” 

Haaland also paid tribute to assist machine Kevin De Bruyne has also made a spectacular return from long-term injury.

It’s a combination that can be utterly devastating - as proved in the recent 6-2 win at Luton where De Bruyne assisted four of Haaland’s five goals.

 “He is a fantastic footballer and with him things click,” said Haaland.

“I enjoy playing with him and of course when one player gets injured it is not good for the team. 

“Injuries are a big part of football sadly, and you have to try to make the best out of it when people are injured. They have to come back stronger.”

And Haaland also gave a glimpse of life under Pep Guardiola, adding: “It’s fantastic. The way he looks at football and the way he works every day is truly something special. 

“I really enjoy working with him and experiencing every single day.

“The way he thinks about football is completely different and he is fantastic to work with every single day. 

“If you look at what he has been doing since he came here, it’s incredible. 

“The way he has developed football is unreal and that was also one of the main reasons why I wanted to come here. 

“I wanted to work with him and develop as a footballer with him.”