Micah Richards and Alan Shearer have noticed something ‘different’ about Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland continued his prolific form by scoring in Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday.
Man City’s victory over Brentford saw them climb to fifth in the Premier League, and they are now just three points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s men have won three of their last four games in the top flight, including their 5-1 victory over Burnley on 27 September.
Man City have been buoyed by Phil Foden’s strong performances in recent weeks, and the 25-year-old impressed once again at Brentford.
Manchester City ace Erling Haaland has been more ‘aggressive’ this season
Haaland notched a brace when Guardiola’s side drew 2-2 with Monaco in the Champions League, and he found himself on the scoresheet once again against Brentford.
Discussing the striker’s form on The Rest Is Football [6 October], former Man City defender Micah Richards said: “Haaland, his work rate. Actually being there at the ground, he’s pressing a lot more, he looks strong, he looks a lot fitter, and he just looks aggressive in front of goal.
“You two (Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer) are both strikers, you know a lot more than me, but the intent seems different this season from last season from Haaland’s point of view.“
Shearer added: “When you’ve got him up front, Haaland, he’s a beast, isn’t he? As soon as (Sepp) van den Berg went in for the physical battle against him, there was only ever going to be one winner.”
Man City displayed impressive character in Brentford victory
The Premier League title race has become more exciting in recent weeks, as defending champions Liverpool have suffered successive defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, having previously won five consecutive games in the top flight.
| Man City’s last three results | Premier League |
| Arsenal (A) | 1-1 D |
| Burnley (H) | 5-1 W |
| Brentford (A) | 0-1 W |
Liverpool’s loss to Chelsea, coupled with league leaders Arsenal’s victory over West Ham United on Saturday heaped pressure on Man City to beat Brentford.
Guardiola’s men performed well in the first half and were good value for their 1-0 win, which came courtesy of Haaland’s ninth-minute goal.
The Etihad Stadium outfit then let their performance drop in the closing 45 minutes, but were able to keep Brentford at bay in West London to maintain a clean sheet.
Last season, Guardiola’s side fell below their previous standards by dropping points against the likes of the Bees.
However, the character they showed to hold on to a victory over Keith Andrews’ men has re-established their status as Premier League title challengers.