Manchester City’s acquisition of Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022 proved to be a transformative moment for the club. The Norwegian striker’s prolific goal-scoring prowess has propelled City to unprecedented heights, culminating in a treble-winning season in 2022/23.
Haaland’s arrival filled a void left by the departure of Sergio Aguero, providing City with a world-class striker to spearhead their attack. His immediate impact was evident in his debut brace against West Ham, setting the tone for a remarkable first season in England.
With 53 goals in all competitions, Haaland shattered records and established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the world. His clinical finishing and aerial dominance proved unstoppable, earning him the Premier League Golden Boot and a second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or race.
However, Haaland’s second season was marred by injuries and a dip in form. Critics questioned his involvement in the build-up play, highlighting his tendency to be isolated from the rest of the team. Despite winning the Golden Boot again, he faced comparisons to legendary strikers who had a more well-rounded game.
Undeterred, Pep Guardiola has worked tirelessly to address Haaland’s weaknesses. The striker has responded with a blistering start to the 2023/24 season, scoring 9 goals in just 4 Premier League matches.
Former Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Haaland’s unique skillset sets him apart from other strikers. “He has a knack for not being involved in the game for long periods, but when you give him one touch in the box, it’s almost like he’s had multiple touches leading up to that moment,” Wright-Phillips said.
Haaland’s ability to create chances for himself and his teammates has also improved, as evidenced by his assist against Brentford. “His goal against Brentford summed him up as a young striker,” Wright-Phillips added. “He knows he’s away, and it’s just about keeping composed and finishing the chance.”
As City prepare for a crucial clash against Arsenal, Haaland will be the focal point of their attack. His record against the Gunners is impressive, with 2 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches. After a quiet game against Inter Milan in the Champions League, he will be eager to prove his worth once again.
