9 | Erling Haaland - 2025/26

[alexmcity]

Nah ,its hard to do

He had that season after 10 games played 17 goals scored

Like scoring hattrick after hattrick

It's hard to do but he is now a better player and we'll play more direct football than in 22/23.

 

[mexico1970]

Erlings defending was superb today as well as his pressing.

 

[bluenova]

Nah ,its hard to do

He had that season after 10 games played 17 goals scored

Like scoring hattrick after hattrick

Crazily, this is his worst start in the league since he joined us!

 

[Don Karleone]

Still cookin

 

[sir baconface]

On all-round contribution, this had to be one of Haaland’s finest games in a sky blue shirt.

 

[Blue_Lightsaber]

 

[Lavinda Past]

The rags really had no idea how to play against Erling. Probably the easiest game he's had for months.

Should have had a hat-trick.

:-)

 

[Withnail]

Absolute beast today, he looks in peak condition and he ran De Ligt and Yorro ragged.

 

[borassic]

World class centre forward play today, one of the best games I’ve seen him play. He was brilliant. Love what he said in his post match as wel

 

[Stelea]

Probably the most complete game I have seen him play for us. Maybe something to do with us not having 90% possession and him being marked by 4

 

[Goater101]

On all-round contribution, this had to be one of Haaland’s finest games in a sky blue shirt.

100% one of his best games. In terms of overall play. Feels like he took the responsibility on his shoulders. Proper performance

 

[Ric]

Immense today. Could tell he was really up for it after his comments midweek. He clearly loves the club, and we’re fortunate to have him. Think he’s relishing his role now as one of the senior players, despite his relatively young age.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

It's hard to do but he is now a better player and we'll play more direct football than in 22/23.

Sadly, he won’t get a complete rest like in 22/23 when the World Cup gave him 6 weeks to get to top condition.

He might still eclipse that season’s tally, but it’ll be harder, in a somewhat inferior team.

 

[alexmcity]

Games to score 8 Manchester derby goals in the PL:

Haaland 6
Aguero 13
Rooney 21

Different class.

 

[City_Sean]

Thought that was his best performance in a City shirt. Made some huge headed clearances in our own box, combined with two absolutely clinical finishes.

He gave the United defenders no time whatsoever on the ball. It was a proper strikers performance.

 

[noseve]

Only personal downside for me is that because of his defensive contribution, I'm even further away from convincing anybody that he shouldn't even be in the box at corners :-(.

I'd have him prowling along the halfway line. Not only would this probably keep a couple of the opposition's big defenders away from our area, but I'd fancy Erl against any defender - and against many pairs of defenders - in the event that the ball falls to us and we hoik it un-Pep-like upfield.

It might keep Gabriel honest when they have corners next week...

 

[noseve]

Sadly, he won’t get a complete rest like in 22/23 when the World Cup gave him 6 weeks to get to top condition.

Double-edged sword, that World Cup - I think that he was more prolific before it.

We were really learning how to use him, then changed everything afterwards and he hasn't been able to reach those heights again, yet. We've had to settle for merely brilliant, when we could have phenomenal. Churlish to complain too much, though, considering the treble followed.

Before the WC, it seemed I was forever moaning about Pep taking him off, having ambled to a couple of almost inevitable goals after only six or seven touches - I don't know, maybe my memory playing tricks with me?

 

[ninjamonkey]

Only personal downside for me is that because of his defensive contribution, I'm even further away from convincing anybody that he shouldn't even be in the box at corners :-(.

I'd have him prowling along the halfway line. Not only would this probably keep a couple of the opposition's big defenders away from our area, but I'd fancy Erl against any defender - and against many pairs of defenders - in the event that the ball falls to us and we hoik it un Pep l-like upfield.

It might keep Gabriel honest when they have corners next week...

I understand where you are coming from but you can't not have a 6ft 5 player defending the box at set pieces. He is fast enough to easily join any potential counter attack we may attempt anyway.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Immense today. Could tell he was really up for it after his comments midweek. He clearly loves the club, and we’re fortunate to have him. Think he’s relishing his role now as one of the senior players, despite his relatively young age.

I thought, as well as his performance which was excellent, he is showing growing signs of leadership and taking responsibility in a wider sense. At one point yesterday, I saw him sprint back and giving Dias a bollocking for something it was great to see. His best game in a City shirt.

 

[noseve]

I understand where you are coming from but you can't not have a 6ft 5 player defending the box at set pieces. He is fast enough to easily join any potential counter attack we may attempt anyway.

A personal choice, no doubt. I think that if he was taking another 6ft 5in defender (or two) out with him, then he'd be playing just as important a defensive role.

And I stand to be corrected, but I can't remember us scoring from too many counter-attacks from defending corners. Added to the fact that he'd already be 30 metres further up the pitch, and no player can run faster than a ball can be passed.

I'd love to see us try it, just once - I think it would change the dynamic at a stroke, especially against a team like Arsenal - but it looks like Pep agrees with you, so it probably won't ever happen.