Erling Haaland started the season strongly, scoring the only goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday, bringing his tally to nine goals in seven Premier League games.
For club and country, he has scored 18 in 11 matches, missing the score sheet only once. At 25, he has netted in nine successive matches for the first time in his career.
“I have never felt better than I do now,” said Haaland, after showing his pace and power to reach Josko Gvardiol’s pass before scoring past Caoimhin Kelleher.
“It is about preparation, getting ready for the games. You can be physically ready, but you need to be mentally ready,” he added.
Haaland scored 36 Premier League goals in his first season for City, 27 in the season after that, and 22 last season.
Despite the downward trend, Haaland looks rejuvenated, and he said much of it was to do with becoming a father for the first time a year ago.
“With a kid, it makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever — I don’t think about football at all,” he said. He added, “When you are young, you think of this and that and maybe worry about things, but when I get home, I relax even more. I think I need to give a shout-out to my son.”
While Haaland is looking razor sharp, manager Pep Guardiola will want goals from other sources. Against Brentford, City dominated the first half but was unable to add to Haaland’s ninth-minute opener and almost paid the price as the host bombarded it towards the end with high balls and long throws.
“He has been so important this season for us, I would say. We need more goals from the other ones, but the chances were there,” Guardiola said.
“The wingers have to score more goals and have to score in those situations, one against one, one against two. But step by step, we will do it. It was much more solid with the team in the game; we will be fine,” he added.
Guardiola’s only worry heading into the international break was an injury to Spanish midfielder Rodri, who hobbled off with a hamstring injury midway through the first half.
