Erling Haaland is this season’s top scorer in the Premier League and the Manchester City star was celebrated in an unusual way after his latest brace.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland was again a hero for his team on Sunday, giving the Norwegian a new use for his Man of the Match award. Haaland scored twice as City beat Bournemouth 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, moving them ahead of their opponents and into second place in the Premier League.
In a video shared on social media, the striker approaches the camera while holding up his Man of the Match award. “Just for motivation,” he said before looking at his watch.
“It’s 8 degrees outside,” he noted as he placed his prize on the shelf next to the ice bath. “The motivation is there,” he added, before kicking off his shoes and jumping into the freezing water.
City fans enjoyed the footage, with some joking after seeing Haaland barely react to the cold. “You’ll be letting them know our big secret. You’ll be letting them know that you’re a robot,” the fan replied.
“Someone should test that water. I think that’s where his power comes from,” another woman wrote with a crying-laughing emoji. Rival fans were also impressed, with one writing: “I hate that I can’t hate this guy. What a great guy.”
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Haaland’s first goal came with just 15 minutes remaining when he raced in Rayan Cherki’s flick and outshot Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Tyler Adams tied the score at one point, but Haaland regained the lead just before halftime off an assist from Cherki.
City secured a point in the second half with Nico O’Reilly scoring his first goal of the season. Haaland has already made 13 league appearances this season, more than twice as many as any other player in England’s top flight, and has made a further four appearances in the Champions League.
“Give them chances and passes. That’s what we have to do,” City manager Josep Guardiola told BBC Radio 5 Liver following Haaland’s recent exploits. “He knows that, but we’re so happy and lucky to have such a great guy, because he’s the sweetest and kindest guy. And he’ll grow, and then his numbers as a player are just outstanding.”
City’s next match is against Haaland’s former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Guardiola added: “We have a big chance of qualifying for the Champions League (knockout stage) in the two home games.”
“This is a really, really important game. After some time has passed, I will think about the last game before the international break against Liverpool.”
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