After watching Erling Haaland score a third hat-trick in as many home Premier League games, all eyes were on Southampton as they looked for a way to deal with the Premier League’s top scorer.
The Manchester City striker went into the weekend with twice as many league goals as any other player, while a midweek double against FC Copenhagen took him up to 20 in 13 games for club and country after drawing a blank in the community shield.
That almost became 21 in 14 inside 15 minutes, with a first-time effort cannoning back off Gavin Bazunu’s post, and he eventually got on the scoresheet in the second half, breaking yet another record.
It isn’t just about keeping Haaland (comparatively) quiet, of course. Bournemouth kept the Norwegian at bay in August but still conceded four, and the likes of Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez had plenty of chances themselves with Saints defenders otherwise occupied before an even more unlikely source – full-back Joao Cancelo – broke the deadlock.
It’s a lose-lose situation for opponents. It takes so much mental energy to stop Haaland, with only one goal for him almost considered a success for a defending side, that it’s practically impossible to do so while also denying his teammates.
The goal showcased the 22-year-old’s insatiable hunger and elite mentality, as in the moments before he had fluffed two relatively simple – by his standards – chances. It looked like he might draw his first blank since the 4-0 defeat of Bournemouth back in August, but Haaland was having none of it.
Haaland ‘s second-half strike extended his scoring run to seven consecutive Premier League games, something no City player has ever done before.
On Twitter, City fans could barely contain their excitement and delight at Haaland continuing his remarkable start to the season.
“Haaland’s goal drought is officially over.”
Credit: @TOwen2011
“Was getting worried he wasn’t gonna score today”
Credit: @angelSZN
“He’s too good for the prem, it’s not fair.”
Credit: @Ilkay_Gundo8:
“Look how City players are happy when he scores. It’s like everyone is trying to set him up to score.”
Credit: @theonjmd
“Look like Erling Haaland have to score in every single game”
Credit: @AmeerAwan97
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