Home/Soccer

via Reuters

via Reuters

Manchester City star Erling Haaland took the Premier League by storm as he finished as the highest scorer in his first season. His goals helped the Sky Blues win their third consecutive league title, beating competitors Arsenal from a very difficult position, who, for the most part, looked to be in a position to clinch their first league title since 2003-2004. However, the star forward has revealed that he imagined losing the title race in his first season with the club.

The City forward ended up helping the club win a treble last season. While Haaland had a massive role to play, he felt the pressure while they trailed behind the Gunners.

Erling Haaland felt uneasy when Arsenal was leading the title race last season

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘You had me in the first half’ was the feeling that the Manchester City star forward had last season. At one moment, last season, it looked like Mikel Arteta-led Arsenal would win the title. However, in the end, with the experience of Pep Guardiola at the helm, the Sky Blues managed to retain the league title. Before the team started turning things around, Erling Haaland did have some negative thoughts in his mind. Speaking on the tough situation last season, he said, We were behind for 248 days or something, so there was pressure there. If I came in and we didn’t win the Premier League it would have been like: ‘You came in and destroyed everything!'”

Last season, Arsenal led the league for most part. And the chances of Arsenal finally winning the league title again after their 2003/04 season never looked more real. Having been given time, Arteta finally found rhythm with his squad and even as late as the end of January, the Gunners were on their way to the trophy. But while Arsenal ‘bottled it’, City kept their heads up and kept going and finished 5 points ahead of Arsenal to become the first English club to win 3 consecutive league title since their local rivals Manchester United achieved the feat from 2006 to 2009. Now, Manchester City find themselves in a similar situation.

Manchester City is currently second in the Premier League table behind toppers Liverpool. However, the return of Erling Haaland himself and Kevin De Bruyne might see a repeat of the last season. The Sky Blues fans will certainly hope that the story repeats itself from the last season.

There is added pressure on the Pep Guardiola led side to deliver. However, as far as Erling Haaland is concerned, the forward will have to take responsibility of handling the majority of the pressure on the team.

The City star striker might have found the perfect time to make his return

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the press conference before the Brentford game, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit to start the game. The 22-year-old could make a return to the starting line-up after featuring from the bench in the win against Burnley. However, the star forward will certainly need time to settle, having just returned from a long term injury.

Read More:- Erling Haaland Slams Fake News of Spending Millions on a Private Jet

The next three games provide the best opportunity for him to get back his goal-scoring antics. The joint-highest goal scorer this season has fixtures against Brentford, Everton, and in the Champions League against Copenhagen.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Cityzens are expected to ease through these games. But all eyes will be on Haaland. How many goals will Erling Haaland score in the next three fixtures? Let us know your predictions in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat