After getting off to an other-worldly start to the season, Erling Haaland has come back to Earth now. This was to be expected, as his early season start featured statistics that were simply off-the-charts! A regression back to the mean was inevitable.
The 22-year-old Norwegian has 28 goals in 27 league matches, so he is averaging just over a goal per game. The record for most goals in a PL season is 34, jointly held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, so Haaland looks easily destinated to break it.
Manchester City vs RB Leipzig FYIs
Kickoff: Tue. March 14, 8pm, Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK
Competition: UCL Round of 16, Leg 2/2, Tie even at 2-2
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Manchester City Starting XI Prediction: go here
Google Result Probability: Manchester City 70% Extra Time 18% RB Leipzig 12%
Opposing teams have begun to figure Erling Haaland out now, as they’re doing a better job of swarming to him and cutting down his chances. But the former Borussia Dortmund and RB Salzburg man is excited about adjusting to it all and rolling with the punches.
“I enjoy it, this is England, this is what I have watched my whole life,” he said today after scoring the game’s only goal in City’s victory at Crystal Palace.
“I enjoy every single second being in it. It’s good to be in the middle of it.”
Haaland did not score from open play, getting that lone goal off a penalty.
“It’s OK, we have to play in different ways,” Erling Haaland said in the post game interview.
“People adapt to us as a team and how we play because in the last five years it’s been four Premier Leagues (titles).
“What can I do? I cannot do anything about what they do, we just have to try to do our best and try to perform.”
Haaland and City are two points behind table toppers Arsenal, pending the Gunners’ London derby against Fulham on Sunday.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.