Erling Haaland has described Manchester City as being in a period of transition, acknowledging that the club still lags behind Arsenal in terms of squad continuity despite their unbeaten start to the season.

The Norwegian striker’s comments come after a summer of significant change at the Etihad, which saw long-serving figures Pep Guardiola, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones all depart the club.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, City have nonetheless made a flying start, extending their winning run to three matches with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City.

Haaland himself provided the decisive touch, converting a cross from Antoine Semenyo just before the half-hour mark.

Reflecting on the win, Haaland drew a comparison between Arsenal’s current squad stability and City’s own situation when he first arrived at the club, suggesting the Gunners now enjoy the kind of cohesion built over years working under Mikel Arteta.

He was quick to praise City’s business in the transfer market, however, describing the summer window as excellent both for the calibre of players brought in and the character they’ve added to the dressing room.

City sit top of the Premier League table with nine points from their opening three fixtures. That lead could prove short-lived, though, with both Arsenal and Chelsea in a position to draw level on points depending on the outcome of Sunday’s derby clash at the Emirates Stadium.