Erling Haaland shatters another Premier League record amid revealing account of months-long struggle

Haaland returned to the Etihad Stadium after a two-month absence, scoring two crucial goals against Everton.

February 10, 2024

Erling Haaland breaks another record — Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images

Haaland seized the opportunity of his first starting appearance at the Etihad Stadium in two months, netting twice in the final 20 minutes after Everton had put up a resilient defense against the champions. Reflecting on his absence due to a foot injury, the Norwegian expressed how much he had missed playing, emphasizing that the experience had deepened his appreciation for daily training sessions and the anticipation of game days.

“It’s been horrible, I really don’t like it but it makes you appreciate more going into training every day, you appreciate meeting up for games and being a little nervous, it makes your mind think a bit different, I appreciate coming into training so much more, it makes you think differently.” Haaland shared with TNT Sport.

Crediting Kevin De Bruyne for a pivotal pass that led to his second goal, Haaland acknowledged the symbiotic understanding he has developed with the Belgian midfielder. He noted, “I try to do the same [with everyone] but with him it’s a bit more like I know I’m going to get it perfect and it’s a bit different to other goals because I know I’m going to get touches. I think maybe that’s the small difference, nothing bad about the others but it’s a bit different with him.”

Despite his impressive tally of 21 goals across all competitions this season, Haaland’s two-month hiatus due to injury might hinder his chances of replicating his astounding debut campaign record of 51 strikes in 52 matches with City.

With City maintaining pressure on Liverpool in the title race, their focus now shifts to the Champions League, starting with the last-16 first leg against Copenhagen on Tuesday. Haaland, currently sharing the top scorer position in Europe’s elite competition alongside Alvaro Morata, Rasmus Hojlund, and Antoine Griezmann, aims to bolster his tally against the Danish side to retain his status as the leading marksman.