Erling Haaland goals against the Premier League 'big six': Man City striker's record against top English teams

Erling Haaland's Manchester City face Arsenal in a game that will have huge implications for the 2023/24 Premier League title race.

Haaland famously let his hair down, literally, against the Gunners last season as he assisted Kevin De Bruyne twice and scored another to see them win 4-1 at the Etihad. City eventually went on to lift the league title as part of a famous treble, as Haaland set a new record for goals scored in a single Premier League season.

The Norwegian striker set the league alight last season and is firmly on course to win the Golden Boot for the second season running. But many strikers are now judged on their record against the 'big six', which means Haaland will need to deliver again when Arsenal visit Manchester on March 31.

The Sporting News takes a look at who the 'big six' are, as well as Haaland's record in the biggest games of the season.

Why goal difference is so vital in Premier League title races

Before we get into Haaland's record, let us explain who the 'big six' are.

The term "big six" refers to six prominent football clubs in England: Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.

These clubs have consistently been at the forefront of English football during the Premier League era (1992 onwards), not only for their on-field success but also for their global brand and commercial appeal.

The concept of the big six is a controversial one as some fans argue that their dominance stifles competition and prevents smaller clubs from breaking into the elite status.

We have seen so-called 'smaller clubs' challenge in the Premier League, most famously Leicester City in 2015/16 when they went on to win the title, but they remain the league's dominant forces. There