In top form, Haaland is ready to break Liverpool's jinx.
Tonight, Man City host Liverpool. Haaland has scored 27 goals in 17 games, but only 3 goals in 8 appearances against The Kop. He says he's currently at the best of his career.
Manchester City host Liverpool with Erling Haaland in brilliant form: 27 goals in 17 games this season, but only 3 goals in 8 encounters against The Kop. Between these two contrasting graphs lies a "curse" that Haaland has a chance to break tonight.
Contrasting head-to-head records: The Kop is like a "forbidden zone"
In eight encounters with Liverpool, Haaland has only scored three goals – his lowest tally against any opponent he has faced at least eight times. The contrast is stark: he once scored eight goals against Manchester United, five against Arsenal, and four against Chelsea and Tottenham. With such a devastatingly prolific striker, Liverpool remains the toughest test to date.
From Anfield in 2019 to the present day, a resurgence.
In 2019, Anfield witnessed Haaland – then playing for RB Salzburg – score a goal after just four minutes in the Champions League. That opening goal put the 19-year-old on the map of European football. Ironically, since that milestone, Liverpool has gradually become his most formidable opponent throughout his career.
Currently, Haaland is in top form. He has scored 18 goals in 14 games for Man City in the Premier League and Champions League, plus nine goals in three games for the Norwegian national team – a total of 27 goals in 17 games this season. Haaland said: “I feel like this is the best version of myself. I’ve never been fitter than I am now.”
Community Shield 2022: Pep's stumble and prediction.
Right from his debut in the 2022 Community Shield, Haaland was overshadowed by Darwin Nunez in Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Man City. The Norwegian striker only touched the ball 14 times and hit the crossbar with a close-range shot. Pep Guardiola defended his player at the time: "Haaland didn't score today, but he will. He has extraordinary qualities."
The prediction came true very quickly: Haaland scored a brace against West Ham shortly afterwards and broke a number of records.
The deadlock in the Premier League against Liverpool
In the Premier League, Haaland has yet to beat Liverpool while playing for Man City. He was silent in the 0-1 defeat at Anfield, scored one goal in the League Cup, and was absent again when Man City won 4-1 in the 2022/23 season. Last season, he scored in a 1-1 draw and missed two crucial matches due to injury.
Statements and expectations
Liverpool have rediscovered their form, but Haaland's current goalscoring prowess promises to make the match incredibly tense. "We have to attack and defend together. Playing Liverpool is never easy, but we will fight with all our might," Haaland affirmed.
Impact on the race
This encounter kicks off a crucial week. Most importantly, Haaland could help Man City close the gap with Arsenal at the top to just four points, and push Liverpool out of the title race – if he can break the "jinx" against The Kop.
Selective statistics
- Haaland has scored 3 goals in 8 matches against Liverpool.
- Comparison: 8 goals against Manchester United; 5 against Arsenal; 4 against Chelsea and Tottenham.
- 2019: Scored a goal after 4 minutes for RB Salzburg at Anfield (Champions League).
- 2022: Community Shield, Liverpool 3-1 Man City; Haaland had 14 touches, his shot hit the crossbar.
- Current season: 27 goals in 17 matches (18 goals in 14 matches for Man City in the Premier League and Champions League; 9 goals in 3 matches for the Norwegian national team).
- Premier League: Haaland has yet to beat Liverpool when he's been on the pitch.
