Phil Foden stole the show in Manchester City’s comprehensive 4-1 win over Aston Villa: grabbing a hat-trick in the process.
However, amidst the celebration, concerns about Erling Haaland’s form have been looming large in the minds of City fans.
When discussing prolific goal scorers, Erling Haaland’s name is often at the forefront. However, this season, Haaland has faced challenges in matching the exceptional standards he set in the previous campaign. In that season, he impressively scored 36 goals in 35 appearances, including six against big six opponents. Undoubtedly, he lived up to the substantial price tag and high-profile status that accompanied his arrival in the Premier League.
Although, He leads the race for the Golden Boot with 18 goals, two more than Ollie Watkins, Mohammed Salah, Cole Palmer and Dominic Solanke, the staggering statistic is that he’s struggled to score against the top four this season.
In five matches against the top four teams, namely Liverpool, Arsenal, and Villa, Haaland has only managed to score once against them.
The top four Premier League teams have been generally stopping Erling Haaland this season 👀#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/qgNsUg2hdl
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 1, 2024
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It doesn’t get any easier for Haaland. City still have Spurs, Brighton, Wolves and West Ham to hurdle over. As City prepare to face Crystal Palace this weekend, the pressure is mounting on Haaland to deliver. In their previous encounter with Palace, City could only manage a 2-2 draw, and they will be aiming for nothing less than a victory this time around.
Currently sitting in third place, three points off the top, City’s quest for another Premier League title hangs in the balance. With the season entering its decisive phase, the spotlight is firmly on Haaland, and the question remains: Will his form ultimately determine City’s fate in the title race?