Erling Haaland had not got off to a good start in 2026. The Manchester City striker entered the new year with figures well below his usual standards: he scored just four goals in 17 games
In the first leg of the Champions Leagueround of 16 against Real Madrid (3-0), he hit rock bottom: he barely touched 10 balls and was substituted by Marmoush in the 82nd minute without even shooting on goal
He even saw how Igor Thiago (Brentford) seriously compromised the possibility of the Norwegian being crowned Premier League top scorer for the third time in four years. However, coinciding with the second leg against Madrid (1-2), he let his hair down.
This is the fight for the Premier League’s Golden Boot
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) —> 24 goals
- Igor Thiago (Brentford)—> 21 goals
- Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)—> 15 goals
- Joao Pedro (Chelsea)—> 14 goals
- Danny Welbeck (Brighton) —> 13 goals
The former Borussia Dortmund player, signed in 2022 for 60 million euros, did not find the net in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal (0-2)… but has ‘stepped up’ in the fight for the Premier League and FA Cup: he has scored six goals in his last six games
He scored a hat-trick against Liverpool (4-0) to put City into the FA Cup semi-finals, scored the winning goal in the direct duel against Arsenal (2-1) and scored the goal against Burnley (0-1) that sealed the change of leadership in the Premier League.
“It’s incredible, I’m super happy, I don’t know why you keep asking me about that [winning only 1-0]. I’m super happy, we won and got three points. Look how they’re singing, we’re top of the table! So be happy,” Haaland told Sky Sports
It’s incredible, I’m happy, I don’t know why you keep asking me about that [winning only 0-1]
“This month has gone well so far, so let’s keep it going,” said the Norwegian, trying to play down the fact that the Premier League could be decided by goal difference: “Don’t think about [scoring] goals, think about winning, as I’ve said three times already in this interview.”
Scoring goals is assured with Haaland. He has spent three seasons ‘manufacturing’ 30 or more goals in the Premier League: he scored 36 goals and provided eight assists in 2022-23, scored 27 goals and provided five assists in 2023-24 and has 24 goals and seven assists this season. He has Arsenal’s number, having scored against them in four consecutive Premier League games, a feat that, according to Opta, only Diogo Jota had achieved. With the ‘Viking King’ everything is easier
Read the full article here
