Erling Haaland did not get off to a good start in 2026. The Manchester City striker started the new year with numbers well below his usual standards: he scored just four goals in 17 games.
They hit rock bottom in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg match against Real Madrid (3-0). He made just 10 touches on the ball and was replaced by Marmouche in the 82nd minute without a shot going into the net.
Haaland reveals his love for tacos in an unexpected moment
He even saw Igor Thiago (Brentford) seriously jeopardizing the Norwegian’s chances of becoming the Premier League’s top scorer for the third time in four years. However, at the same time as the second leg against Madrid (1-2), he let his hair down.
This is a battle for the Premier League Golden Boot.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) —> 24 goals Igor Thiago (Brentford) —> 21 goals Antoine Semenho (Manchester City) —> 15 goals Joao Pedro (Chelsea) —> 14 goals Danny Welbeck (Brighton) —> 13 goals
The former Borussia Dortmund player, who signed for 60 million euros in 2022, couldn’t find the back of the net in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal (0-2)… but he has ‘stepped up’ in the Premier League and FA Cup competition: he has scored six goals in the last six games.
He scored a hat-trick against Liverpool (4-0) to take City into the FA Cup semi-finals, scored the winning goal in a head-to-head win against Arsenal (2-1) and scored the goal that sealed a change in Premier League leadership against Burnley (0-1).
“It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy. I don’t know why you keep asking me about it (we only won 1-0). I’m very happy. We won and got three points. Look at how they’re singing. We’re first! So be happy,” Haaland told Sky Sports.
I can’t believe it, I’m happy, I don’t know why you keep asking me about it (you can only win 0-1)
“This month has been going well so far, so let’s keep going,” the Norwegian said, trying to downplay the fact that the Premier League could be decided by goal difference. “Don’t think about[scoring]think about winning, as I’ve already said three times in this interview.”
I’m sure Haaland will score goals. He has spent three seasons ‘producing’ over 30 goals in the Premier League. He had 36 goals and eight assists in the 2022-23 season, 27 goals and five assists in the 2023-24 season, and has 24 goals and seven assists this season. He wears Arsenal’s jersey number and has scored in four consecutive Premier League games against Arsenal, a feat that Opta says has only been achieved by Diogo Jota. With “Viking King” everything becomes easier
