By Martin Graham
Erling Haaland he once again showed why he is regarded as one of the most lethal strikers in football Manchester City relieved past Bournemouth Sunday in the Premier League. After drawing a blank rare in the previous game a Aston Villathe Norwegian striker returned to form with a clinical first-half brace to help City climb into second place.
Known for his extraordinary consistency, Haaland briefly showed his human side by missing chances for a hat trick. But his performance, marked by power and precision, was accompanied by a playful moment as he mimed a robot dance after opening the score, a nod to Peter Crouch’s iconic celebration.
Taking to social media, the 25-year-old joked: “I guess I couldn’t hide it anymore…”, while Crouch humorously replied: “I walked so they could run.” Yet behind the light-hearted exchange, Haaland’s stats continue to amaze fans and critics alike. With 13 league goals, eight of them scored in doubles at home, and 26 in total for club and country, his record underlines an almost mechanical level of consistency.
The admiration and high level of Guardiola
After embracing Haaland at the final whistle, manager Pep Guardiola praised his forward’s hunger and professionalism, comparing his impact to that of Lionel Messi i Cristiano Ronaldo. “Have you seen the numbers of this guy? Of course you have,” said Guardiola. “The first goal, the way he hits the ball, he just decides to score. He’s humble, coachable and completely focused on getting better.”
The Catalan coach acknowledged that he can be demanding with Haaland, but the striker’s attitude makes it easier for him to work. “He is down to earth and lives for goals. Without him, it would be difficult, honestly,” added Guardiola.
City’s dominance under Guardiola remains remarkable: six Premier League titles in eight seasons and a Champions League triumph in 2023. Despite a brief stumble against Aston Villa, the team continues to show their control and hunger, with Haaland at the heart of their success.
Haaland’s hunger and unmatched numbers
Speaking after the win, Haaland refused to talk about being unstoppable. “I didn’t score in the last game. I’m just trying to help the team win, that’s my aim,” he told Sky Sports. “Whether it’s scoring, assisting or winning duels, it doesn’t matter as long as we get the result.”
His output remains extraordinary. Only Les Ferdinand, with Newcastle in 1995–96, has equaled Haaland’s total of 13 goals in his first 10 Premier League games. The Norwegian had 15 in the same period in 2022. He also leads the league in expected goals (9.20) excluding penalties and has been involved in 65% of City’s goals in domestic and European competitions.
Guardiola acknowledged his squad’s confidence in their main striker, but described him as a “sweet and kind” person whose attitude inspires those around him. “He will look even better,” insisted the coach. “The numbers are already extraordinary.”
Association with Cherki and promise of future
Haaland’s connection with the summer signing Ryan Cherki also stood out against Bournemouth. The French midfielder, recently back from a thigh injury, provided the assists for both goals and looks set to become a key creative partner.
“I know Erling, he knows me. It’s very simple,” Cherki said. “My job is to give him the ball and score.” His understanding gives Guardiola new attacking options, with Cherki’s vision complementing Haaland’s sharpness inside the box.
Opposition managers continue to struggle to find ways to contain the striker. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola admitted it was “almost impossible” to plan it. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson added: “You run out of superlatives. He may not touch the ball much but he scores an absurd amount of goals and could break all the records if he stays.”
Shay Given echoed that view, saying Haaland aims to become the best striker in Premier League history as well as Norway’s best footballer. “He is the ultimate professional, on and off the pitch,” Given concluded.
