Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott believes Erling Haaland is key to Manchester City’s title chances after the Norwegian striker made an early return to the club from international duty.
Joleon Lescott believes a rampaging Erling Haaland could catapult Manchester City into contention for the Premier League title. The Norway star will return home early from international duty and will be fresh for Saturday’s game against Everton.
The 25-year-old has been in typically inspired form since the start of this season, scoring a top-flight nine goals in just seven games and adding three more in the Champions League. He also represented his country, scoring a hat-trick in last Saturday’s 5-0 win over Israel.
Concerns were raised after the striker returned home early from international duty, citing a “particularly tight fixture schedule”. The striker will be fresh and ready to play when City face Everton on Saturday, and Lescott believes Haaland can help his former club win the league title.
“There’s not a finish he hasn’t had,” Lescott said of Haaland on Sky Bet’s In the Mixer. “He said that goal against Brentford was his favorite and proper goal.
“100 per cent (he will remain in the title race). Yes (he is a phenomenon). Statistically speaking, this season has been the worst start to a Premier League season. It’s crazy, isn’t it?”
read more: Erling Haaland labeled ‘burden’ by same man who was furiously questioned by Jude Bellingham’s fatherread more: Man City 115 charge schedule predictions are made while the Premier League decision is awaited
Josep Guardiola’s City are currently three points behind league leaders Arsenal after seven games, just outside of the top four. Thanks to his impressive goal tally, Haaland won the Premier League Player of the Month award for September and has continued his form this month.
He will be hoping to give City a boost when they host Everton on Saturday, but the visiting team will be without star Jack Grealish as the Englishman is currently on loan from the Manchester side.
All Out Football on YOUTUBE: Sign up now to be the first to watch the latest episodes of In The Mixer and other original programming brought to you by Sky Bet. Follow All Out Football on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
“September was an important month for us as a team. We played really good football, remained unbeaten and got an important win for our fans,” Haaland said last month.
“I’m happy to be able to help the team with goals and performances. Now I just have to keep going – keep working hard every day. It’s a tough schedule. Hopefully I can maintain the same level and win more games.”
Haaland’s manager was also quick to praise the star striker in September, comparing him to some of the greatest goalscorers in football history.
“He’s on the level of (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy and (Robert) Lewandowski, but especially two monsters like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Erling is exactly at that level. In terms of goals, he’s unbelievable,” Guardiola said.
Listen to new episodes of In The Mixer on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
