Erling Haaland has ignited discussions about his performance in the 2025/26 season, particularly whether he is now surpassing his previous achievements. Currently, he stands as the Premier League’s leading scorer, having netted nine goals in just seven matches.
Haaland’s Historical Performance
Even though Haaland is leading in goals, this start is considered the second-worst when compared to his previous seasons in England. In 2022/23, he scored 11 goals in his first seven games and followed it with 10 goals in the 2024/25 season. Haaland’s remarkable ability is highlighted by the fact that he remains the only player to outscore his current tally in any Premier League campaign’s opening matches.
Stats Comparison
| Player | Goals | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | 11 | 2022/23 |
| Erling Haaland | 10 | 2024/25 |
| Erling Haaland | 9 | 2025/26 |
| Wayne Rooney | 9 | 2011/12 |
| Diego Costa | 9 | 2014/15 |
A Different Kind of Impact
Despite not matching his peak goalscoring numbers, Haaland’s current form suggests he is evolving as a player. Having recently scored the only goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Brentford, he expressed confidence in his abilities, stating this is the best he has felt in his career.
Consistent Scoring
- Scored in nine consecutive appearances for club and country.
- Added a hat-trick against Israel during the international break.
- Total of 19 goals and three assists in his last 10 matches.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Haaland’s physicality makes him a challenging opponent for defenders. His resilience was evident against Brentford, where he shrugged off two defenders to finish the play effortlessly. Commentators like Gary Neville have praised his strength and ability to dominate physical confrontations.
Defensive Pressure
Interestingly, while Haaland averages just 24.2 touches per match, he ranks among the top forwards in total distance covered and defensive pressures applied in the league. This suggests he is contributing significantly, even when the ball is not in his possession.
Goalscoring Effectiveness
This season, Haaland has shown an impressive effectiveness in front of goal, averaging 1.36 goals per 90 minutes without relying on penalties. His Expected Goals (xG) metrics indicate he is taking better shots from advantageous positions.
Key Statistics
| Stat | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | 25/26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1.17 | 0.95 | 0.72 | 1.36 |
| Non-penalty Goals | 0.94 | 0.7 | 0.62 | 1.36 |
| xG | 0.92 | 1.03 | 0.72 | 1.16 |
| Shots | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 4.4 |
Conclusion: Is Haaland Surpassing His Previous Performance?
While the early season statistics may be a cause for speculation, Haaland’s overall performance conveys a promising trajectory. His ability to score, coupled with his physical and tactical development, suggests that this could be the onset of one of his most outstanding seasons. The coming months will reveal whether he can maintain this form and elevate Manchester City’s title aspirations.
