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Football Insider

Erling Haaland: Shifting the Goal-Scoring Goalposts in Man City's Quest for Success

Manchester City's prolific goal-scorer Erling Haaland sheds light on the increased scrutiny he faces in comparison to his rivals, even when surpassing remarkable milestones. As he sets his sights on new records and titles, the Norwegian's relentless pursuit for excellence continues to captivate football fans worldwide.

Erling Haaland: Shifting the Goal-Scoring Goalposts in Man City's Quest for Success

Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland has claimed he is held to a higher standard than some of his rivals due to his prolific scoring record. The Norway international has been a huge hit since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund and has scored goals for fun for Pep Guardiola's side. However, Haaland says that he now faces more scrutiny than other strikers and a 20-goal season would not be seen as a huge success for him.Haaland has set all kinds of records since joining City and hit a new landmark in the team's recent 5-4 win over Fulham. The striker became the fastest player ever to score 100 Premier League goals, managing the feat in just 111 games and smashing Alan Shearer's previous record of 100 strikes from 124 matches. Haaland has already hit the 20-goal mark for the 2025-26 season in all competitions and his goal-scoring feats mean he is once again one of the favourites to win the European Golden Shoe this season.Haaland has now been quizzed on his goal-scoring ambitions by Gary Lineker and Shearer on the The Rest is Football podcast. The striker was asked if he set himself targets ahead of the start of a new season. Twenty goals is generally considered to be the benchmark for most top strikers, but Lineker cheekily claimed that Haaland's target "is 40" which received the following response from the Man City star.What would be a good season for me? I think if I got 20 goals you'd say 'it’s an OK season'. If City win the league and I got 25 goals I think it would be 'a good season', 30 goals it would be 'a really good season', 35 goals 'an amazing season', 36 goals 'a really, really good season'," he said with a smile.Haaland currently has 15 goals from 15 Premier League outings in the 2025-26 campaign and sits top of the scoring charts in the English top flight.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Haaland also admitted that he simply has to keep banging in the goals for City or the club will look to replace him. He added: "If not, they have to replace me. Because if I’m not delivering the goals and the things they need, they have to replace me. So there is a lot of pressure on me to deliver."The Norwegian also spoke about how he feels the Premier League is the best place for him, particularly working under Guardiola."I'm calm, I'm focused, and I'm really happy here, so it's a really good place to be for development. Also in the end, England, it's a football country, and I think it's the best place to play football. I mean, he [Pep] signed a new contract, was it before or after me? I'm not sure. But I knew he was staying for another year or another year-and-a-half, with his contract right now. "But most of the conversations were with his bosses and my boss as well, because I remember my father said when I was really, not young, but like 10 years ago, he said like, 'Never go to a club because of the manager', which sometimes can be difficult. But also, you never know what's going to happen in the modern world."But again, Pep was a big reason why I came to City, of course, to work with him and to be able to experience him and his special ways and his hard work and all of these things. So it's kind of a mix there."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingHaaland will be aiming to be in the goals again on Wednesday against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League. The hosts come into the match under a cloud, following defeat to Celta Vigo last time out, and with manager Xabi Alonso's future in the spotlight. Another defeat to Haaland and Co. would pile more pressure on the Spaniard after a tricky start to life back in the Spanish capital.

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Erling Haaland: A Season Defined by Goals and Great Expectations

Erling Haaland, the star striker of Manchester City, has emerged as a potent force in the world of football, consistently setting new benchmarks for goal-scoring prowess. Despite his staggering achievements, Haaland reveals the unique pressure he faces in meeting the lofty standards set for him, where a 20-goal season is perceived as merely 'OK.'

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Breaking Records and Raising the Bar: Haaland's Unrivaled Scoring Streak

In a recent clash against Fulham, Erling Haaland shattered records by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals, eclipsing the legendary Alan Shearer's previous milestone. With an already impressive tally of 20 goals in the 2025-26 season across all competitions, the Norwegian sensation remains a top contender for the coveted European Golden Shoe.

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Goal-Setting and Expectations: A Banterful Exchange with Gary Lineker

During a lively discussion on The Rest is Football podcast, Haaland engaged in a humorous exchange with Gary Lineker regarding his goal-scoring targets. While Lineker jestingly suggested a target of 40 goals, Haaland quipped about the escalating definitions of success based on his goal haul, emphasizing the immense pressure to deliver consistently for his club.

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Thriving Under Pressure: Haaland's Take on His Role at Man City

Acknowledging the demanding nature of professional football, Erling Haaland embraces the pressure of maintaining his goal-scoring form at Manchester City. The striker emphasizes the need for consistent performance, recognizing that failure to deliver could prompt the club to seek alternatives. Haaland's commitment to excellence remains unwavering as he strives to meet and exceed expectations.

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The Pep Guardiola Factor: Haaland's Journey to Success in the Premier League

Reflecting on his decision to join Manchester City, Haaland underscores the pivotal role of manager Pep Guardiola in his career trajectory. The Norwegian striker highlights the value of working under Guardiola's guidance, praising the manager's influence on his development and the allure of playing in the competitive landscape of English football. Haaland's admiration for Guardiola's leadership underscores his commitment to growth and success at the club.

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The Road Ahead: Haaland's Quest for Glory Against Real Madrid

In anticipation of Manchester City's upcoming clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, all eyes are on Erling Haaland as he aims to lead his team to victory. With the spotlight on both teams, Haaland's goal-scoring prowess presents a formidable challenge for Real Madrid and adds further intrigue to the high-stakes encounter. As the Norwegian striker continues his quest for excellence, his impact on the pitch promises to captivate fans and shape the future of football.

Published on Dec 10, 2025