Joe Hart names the player Man City must sign to beat Arsenal in title race

Joe Hart says Man City have ‘sent a real message’ to their rivals (Photo: Getty)

Joe Hart has named the key player Manchester City must sign to help them challenge the likes of Arsenal for the Premier League title.

City have had a shaky start to life under Enzo Maresca , losing 3-0 in the Community Shield to the Gunners before only narrowly beating Bournemouth at home in their Premier League opener.

But they looked back to their imperious best on Friday night, thumping Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki bagging braces.

Arsenal remain the firm favourites to retain the title this season, but Hart believes this victory was a real statement of intent from the Citizens.

‘They’re by no means the finished article under Maresca. He knows that and the team know that and there were some difficult moments tonight,’ the legendary City goalkeeper told Premier League Productions .

‘Thought Palace had their moments where they could be in the game, but when City were on, they were hot. I think that sends a real message to the Premier League .

‘They were just as dominant as Arsenal were in their opening game and as impressive as they were. Maybe not for the full 90 minutes, but Manchester City really looked good today.

Erling Haland is the only centre-forward in Man City’s first-team (Photo: Getty)

‘And with bringing [Ayyoub] Bouaddi on and potentially some more signings in the window, really good, really encouraging.’

After selling Omar Marmoush to Tottenham, Haaland is the only centre-forward in Maresca’s first-team and former Palace striker Glenn Murray believes that could be a problem.

‘It’s world class, that’s what it is and when he [Haaland] is on form like this for Manchester City, it’s a scary proposition,’ he said.

Man City have been linked with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo (Photo: Getty)

‘But is it going to be enough? Do they need somebody else as well to carry that burden throughout this season?’

Hart completely agreed, urging Maresca to make a signing, amid rumours the Citizens are interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and former player Julian Alvarez, who has been linked with a big money move to Arsenal .

‘He’s been very used to having summers off and he’s just had an amazing, big summer [at the World Cup ],’ the former England international said.

‘Of course, he’s enjoyed it and it’s grown him, scored some amazing goals, but that is taxing.

‘That Norway team’s good, every two years [World Cup and European Championships ] and the Nations League now.

‘He’s going to have so many games, he’s going to need some help.’