Football

Walker Admits to Misjudging 50-Goal Haaland’s Incredible Scoring Pedigree

In his two-and-a-half years with Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland scored 86 goals in 89 matches. Critics doubted his ability to adapt to the Premier League and scoring as effectively.

The towering Norwegian has silenced everyone who doubted him. Since his arrival, Haaland has been breaking Premier League records on a monthly basis, if not weekly. With his goal against Fulham from the spot, he rewrote history books with his 50th goal of the campaign.

There is a month of action until the curtain is drawn on the 2022/23 campaign. City are still fighting on three fronts and Haaland can substantially increase his goal tally.

Manchester City defender, Kyle Walker, knew first-hand the 22-year-old’s quality. A teammate with Harry Kane previously at Tottenham and now with the Three Lions, Haaland’s quality was never in question but his goal-scoring heroics have even amazed him.

Haaland to continue breaking records

Walker believes Haaland is setting the benchmark for strikers and will be the standard to emulate. Given his age and maturity, his scoring form will concern the established record holders as he will be replacing their names in record books.

“I could see his quality when we played against him in the Champions League,” said Walker. “But did I feel he could hit the ground running and get the goals he’s done? Of course not.

“To come to a new league and a new team it’s always going to be difficult. That shows the level of the player, the maturity of the young boy at 22. Long may it continue. It’s extraordinary what he’s done.

“I’ve had the privilege to play with him and Harry Kane now who, for me, are up there with the best out-and-out number nines. The goals they both score are tremendous. Erling has taken it to a new level now.

“He’s set the bar, he’s only young and he needs to keep doing this season in, season out, to hopefully keep on breaking more records and keeping the form he is in.”

Man City needs to defeat West Ham

Pep Guardiola’s charges defeated Arsenal to claim pole position on the points table. While their 4-1 victory over Gunners did not see them break a sweat, they were made to work by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Citizens have a game in hand over Arsenal, who are a point behind. While the Gunners are embroiled in a London derby against Chelsea, City will entertain West Ham at the Etihad. Nothing but the three points will quench City’s thirst as they do not want to allow Arsenal to least them again.

“It topped off a good week, where we got the victory against Arsenal,” said Walker. “We said in the dressing room after the hard work we put in against Arsenal we needed to – no disrespect to Fulham – get the win.

“We’re thankful we got the three points. Now we move on Wednesday, which is the game in hand and another really important game where we need to pick up three points.

“I’ve been very fortunate to play in some fantastic Manchester City teams. The form has come at a really good time, but we need to make sure we keep this up. We’ve set the bar and the standards now.”


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