Manchester City is making a formidable push for the Premier League title, largely thanks to the extraordinary performance of Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old striker scored two goals in a recent 3-1 victory against Bournemouth, propelling his team to second place in the league, just six points behind leaders Arsenal. Despite a shaky start to the season, which included three league defeats, City’s fortunes are heavily tied to Haaland’s prolific scoring ability.
Haaland’s influence on the team is reminiscent of legendary players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who consistently elevated their respective clubs to success. The Norwegian striker has now netted 11 goals in the league, significantly outpacing the next closest players, including Igor Thiago and Danny Welbeck, who each have six. His scoring prowess has left City reliant on his contributions, as the team’s second-leading scorer in the Premier League is currently Maxime Estève, a Burnley defender, due to his two own goals against City in September.
Bournemouth winger David Brooks acknowledged Haaland’s threat, stating, “The big man up top for them — Haaland — is always going to be a threat. It’s almost impossible to prepare to face him.” His physical presence and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, a fact that has not gone unnoticed in recent matches.
Despite the team’s depth, removing Haaland from the equation raises questions about City’s title aspirations. Manager Pep Guardiola commented on Haaland’s importance, noting, “Without him, it would be tough.” This mirrors the situation at Manchester United during the 2012-13 season when Robin van Persie was pivotal in their title win, despite the contributions of other key players like Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernández.
Currently, Haaland accounts for over half of City’s league goals, with 20 goals scored in total. Other forwards, such as Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki, have struggled to find the net consistently. Haaland’s knack for converting opportunities into goals is unmatched; while he scored twice against Bournemouth, others have found it challenging to do the same.
Looking ahead, City faces a demanding schedule, including a match against former club Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League and a visit from Liverpool next Sunday. Managing Haaland’s minutes will be crucial for Guardiola, especially considering he had a busy summer, including participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
As the season progresses, Haaland’s health and form will be pivotal for Manchester City’s title challenge. The team must prepare for the eventuality of his absence, as the competition for the title intensifies. If Haaland continues to perform at this level, City’s chances of reclaiming the Premier League crown will remain strong.
