Erling Haaland has scored 26 goals for club and country this season
Is Erling Haaland channeling Peter Crouch’s spirit, or is his precision simply robotic?
This is a question that may, or may not, have arisen following Manchester City’s dominant Premier League victory over a previously in-form Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Norwegian striker experienced what was only his second “malfunction” of the season last weekend, failing to score in the loss to Aston Villa. However, he swiftly returned to form, delivering a ruthlessly efficient first-half double against the Cherries.
Despite his cyborg-like reputation, Haaland proved his humanity by missing a couple of opportunities to complete a hat-trick.
Yet, his staggering statistics this season have left many in awe of the 25-year-old’s prowess in front of goal, inspiring a robot-inspired dance to celebrate his opening goal in the victory that propelled his side to second place.
The celebration evoked memories of the iconic moves of Peter Crouch, the towering former Liverpool and England forward, who famously marked his goals with a similar robotic display.
“Guess I couldn’t hide it any longer…” Haaland quipped on social media after the match, while Crouch responded with a playful, “I walked so they could run.”
This humorous exchange, however, cannot overshadow Haaland’s phenomenal goalscoring record, which currently stands at 13 league goals – eight of them scored in home doubles – and a total of 26 goals for club and country.
Having embraced his striker warmly at full-time, City manager Pep Guardiola drew comparisons between Haaland’s remarkable achievements and those of footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
When asked if Haaland had reached the level of the Argentine and the Portuguese star, Guardiola replied: “Have you seen the numbers of that guy? Of course, he has.”
“The numbers from Cristiano and Messi have been for 15 years, Messi is still scoring two, three goals every game and Cristiano in Saudi Arabia, the same. This is that level.”
“The first goal, the way he shoots the ball, going down on the grass saying, ‘I am going to score this’. I have said many times, he is incredibly coachable, and I am tough with him sometimes.”
“I always try to be open-minded with him, and there are players who say, ‘what are you talking about?’ He is completely down to earth, he wants to do it, and he lives for the goals. Without him, it would be tough to be honest.”
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Aside from a minor setback last season, where they failed to secure a major trophy, City has been a relentless winning force, claiming six Premier League titles in the last eight seasons, as well as the Champions League in 2023.
In Haaland, they possess a player who dismantles defenses with a combination of power, speed, and clinical finishing.
The 1-0 defeat at Villa Park marked City’s first loss in 10 games, and while they responded with wins over Swansea and Bournemouth, Haaland has not forgotten the stumble.
“I didn’t score last game,” Haaland told Sky Sports when asked if he felt unstoppable. “I try to help the team to win – that’s my goal.”
“Even by scoring, helping or winning duels, it doesn’t matter as long as we are winning games. I want to help the team become a better football team, that’s my job.”
Haaland’s statistics this season are extraordinary. Les Ferdinand, playing for Newcastle in the 1995-96 campaign, was the only other player to score 13 times in the opening 10 Premier League games. Haaland himself managed 15 in 2022.
He boasts the highest expected goals (xG) of 9.20 in the league without scoring a penalty, while he accounts for 65% of City’s goals in the top flight and Champions League – scoring 17 of their 26 goals across the two competitions.
“To give the chances and the passes to him, this is what we have to do,” added Guardiola. “He knows that, but we are so blessed and lucky to have, first of all, an incredible person because he is the sweetest and kindest.”
“And he will improve. After that, as a player the numbers are just outstanding.”
Much has been said of City’s reliance on Haaland and the need for other players to ‘step up’ and contribute more goals.
“Of course, you want other people to join in, and they will eventually,” journalist Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But I don’t even know why this is a debate. When you have Haaland and the best finisher in the world right now, it would be silly to even give a chance to anyone else. You want the ball to fall in the box to Haaland 100% of the time.”
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Haaland scores twice to send Man City second
Haaland will also be excited by the prospect of linking up with Rayan Cherki, with the Frenchman providing well-crafted assists for both of his goals on Sunday.
The 22-year-old scored against Wolves in the opening game but has only recently returned to action following a six-week absence due to a thigh injury.
“I know Erling, he knows me. When I play with him and he with me, it’s very simple,” said Cherki, who joined in the summer from Lyon.
“My job is to give the ball to Erling, and he scores.”
Their partnership against Bournemouth was an encouraging sign for City’s attack, and opposition managers must now contend with Cherki’s quality while also devising strategies to contain Haaland.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said it was “almost impossible” to prepare against Haaland, adding: “He is amazing. When you press higher and concede the press at the back, he is super fast.”
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “You run out of superlatives. People may criticize [Erling Haaland], saying that he doesn’t involve himself in play enough.”
“But he scores a ridiculous amount of goals and will go on to break all kinds of records – if he stays in the Premier League.”
Ex-City goalkeeper Shay Given added: “Erling Haaland has got aspirations of being the best striker in Premier League history, the best player in Norwegian history, and probably the best player in the world.”
“The stuff he does off the pitch, he is the ultimate professional.”
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