For Martin Odegaard, Erling Haaland is just a partner in a WhatsApp group.
But the last time Arsenal Merchester met, the Etihad target was the Viking-Schurk in a flare after the game that ignited the rivalry between the two clubs.
Haaland hit a ball in the back of Arsenal -defender Gabriel's head and then told Mikel Arteta to remain 'modest' – in a jibe that went back as a city dropped.
That collision in September was pulsating-john Stones who was the tying run for a 98th minute after the ten-man Arsenal was determined to their lead, without twenty-seven previous city shots in an extraordinary second half.
It was also the competition in which Rodri sustained the knee injury that has since put him on a sideline.
And when they meet again on Sunday in the Emirates, the teams that have disputed the title race in the past two seasons stare both, both to Runaway Leaders Liverpool.
Odegaard, who missed 2-2 Etihad, who is drawn by injury, admits that he enjoys the 'heat' of the rivalry with the city.
Yet he claims that there is no persistent hostility with Haaland – his teammate in the National team of Norway.
“We are good friends,” said Odegaard, “him and a few other boys from the national team, we have a small group cat, so we speak about football every now and then, almost random things.
“We didn't talk about the game, but he's a good friend, so I'm talking to him.”
Was Odegaard shocked by his partner's actions when it all started after the last whistle in the Etihad four months ago?
“No, in games like these the emotions are so high and the adrenaline is there,” said Odegaard.
“That is something that can happen on the field and then when you walk off the field, then you're done with it.
“After the last two seasons we fought against each other for the title, so that's something natural.
“I think the city and us have improved each other. The entire competition is so competitive, but with Man City we have been fighting with them for the title for a few years and it makes you better. It has to get the best out of you.
“When I grew up, I always watched the Premier League with friends. There were some large – the Noord -London Derby, the Manchester Derby and the Liverpool Derby. So it's nice that we are now part of these big games, if you play with a lot. “
City chased Arsenal two seasons ago and then held their challenge for the title of the last term.
But Haaland's 'Stay Humble' Taunt was thrown back in his face when the city imploded during an amazing series of nine defeats in 12 games in all games before Christmas.
City is now unbeaten in six league games and although a fifth straight title is certainly out of reach, Odegaard is wary of their threat.
He said: “Many people would be surprised (by the slump of the city), but there is still a long way to go. We saw them before they end the season very well.
“We know the quality they have. It is a top team, top players and it will be a big fight. “
Odegaard, 26, claims that Arsenal has still not achieved top equipment this season and believes that they remain able to win a trophy.
He said: “We are in a good position, but I still feel that we still have another gear and hopefully we can now touch that top form until the end of the season.
“We are second in the competition, we have everything to play for, we are in the top eight in the Champions League. We have to look ahead and insist on the goals to win the big trophies.
“If you've been so close, you get hungry, you become even more determined to do it, especially last year when we were there on the last day and really had the feeling that it was so close.”
Odegaard, who became a father for the first time when Vrouw Helene gave a son two months ago, admits that it is his dream to lift the Premier League trophy as a captain.
He said: “That is the big goal and I have dreamed about this since I was a young child – to win one of the big trophies and especially the Premier League had always grow up something special, so this would be the biggest dream. “
Yet he is desperate to improve his own targeted form – to have scored this period only once in the competition.
Odegaard said: “It is something that I have not been good enough this season.
“I feel that I have been in enough situations and made a lot for others, but I have not been clinical enough with the finish. So that's something that I really want to perform. “
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