Erling Haaland's Incredible Form: Is He the Best Striker in the World?

Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland after Brentford's game

Erling Haaland's start to the season has been nothing short of phenomenal, even by his own incredibly high standards.

“The wingers have to score more goals, the wingers have to score in those situations one against one, one against two. But step by step we will do it...”

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland continues to defy expectations with his phenomenal form, scoring the only goal in City's 1-0 win over Brentford on Sunday. This impressive performance takes his tally to nine goals in seven Premier League games, with 18 goals in 11 games for both club and country. Notably, Haaland has now scored in nine successive matches for the first time in his career.

“I have never felt better than I do now,” Haaland said, attributing his success to being mentally and physically prepared for games. He emphasized the importance of mental readiness, stating, “It is about preparation, getting ready for the games. You can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready.”

96% - Erling Haaland has now scored at 22 of the 23 stadiums he's played at in the Premier League, the highest percentage of any player in the competition's history (96%). Uninvited. pic.twitter.com/GEFXyhtNGa

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 5, 2025

Haaland's rejuvenated form has coincided 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 revealed. “When I'm home, I relax even more. So, I think I need to give a shout-out to my son.” This new chapter in his life seems to have positively impacted his game, with Haaland looking sharper than ever.

Haaland's Recent Performance

• 9 goals in 7 Premier League games
• 18 goals in 11 games for club and country

• Scored in 9 successive matches for the first time in his career

Manager Pep Guardiola praised Haaland's contribution, saying, “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's only concern is an injury to Spanish midfielder Rodri, who hobbled off with a hamstring injury during the match.

Erling Haaland attributes his impressive form to being mentally and physically prepared for games. “It is about preparation, getting ready for the games. You can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready.” This focus on preparation has helped him bounce back from a potential slump, with 36 Premier League goals in his first season for Manchester City, followed by 27 and 22 in the subsequent seasons.

Haaland's recent performance has been remarkable, scoring 9 goals in 7 Premier League games and 18 goals in 11 games for both club and country. He believes becoming a father for the first time a year ago has contributed to his rejuvenated form, saying, “With a kid, it makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever – I don't think about football at all. When I'm home, I relax even more.” This new chapter in his life seems to have positively impacted his game.

Haaland's stats are equally impressive, with 12 goals in 9 matches this season, averaging 1.6 goals per 90 minutes. His impressive form has Manchester City sitting 7th in the Premier League table with 10 points from 6 matches.

“With a kid it makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever -- I don't think about football at all,” he said.

“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 Erling Haaland is on fire, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be keen to see other players contribute goals. In Sunday's match against Brentford, City dominated the first half but failed to add to Haaland's ninth-minute opener, leaving them vulnerable to a late Brentford onslaught.

The hosts' high balls and long throws caused City problems towards the end, and they nearly paid the price for their lack of clinical finishing in the first half. Despite Haaland's brilliance, Guardiola will want his other players to step up and provide more goal-scoring support to ensure City's attacking play is more balanced and unpredictable.

“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, the wingers 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.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's primary concern heading into the international break is the injury status of Spanish midfielder Rodri. Rodri was forced off the field in the 21st minute of the match against Brentford due to a suspected hamstring problem in his right leg. He was replaced by Nico Gonzalez, with Manchester City leading 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland's goal.

Three important points, see you after the break! 🙌🏻🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/cZsj1esouJ

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) October 5, 2025

This latest setback adds to Rodri's injury woes. Last season, he suffered ACL damage that kept him sidelined for eight months. Additionally, he missed the start of this season after picking up a groin injury at the Club World Cup and has been dealing with knee pain in recent weeks.

The severity of Rodri's injury remains uncertain, but it could potentially sideline him for several weeks or even months. His absence would be a significant blow to Manchester City's midfield, particularly with the upcoming international break and subsequent matches.