While it was expected that he would score often, nobody could have imagined before the season started just how quickly Erling Haaland would settle into life in the Premier League.
The Manchester City striker has scored an incredible 14 goals in just eight games, with defences terrified of the sight of the Norwegian striker.
With Manchester City and Erling Haaland looking unstoppable so far this season, it’s likely the 21-year-old will end up with a goal tally never seen before in the league.
It’s hard to remember a player that has taken the Premier League by storm like this, with his movement and clinical finishing putting him a level above everyone else.
Another goal for Erling Haaland! 🔥😳 pic.twitter.com/ThC0720bsD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 2, 2022
Pre-Season Predictions
Not many fans or pundits could have predicted such an impressive start by Erling Haaland to the Premier League.
However, Haaland has scored goals no matter where he has played. He first gained attention for his performances for Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 29 goals in just 27 appearances.
READ HERE: Report: Fernandes And Martinez Raged At United Teammates At Half-Time Of Derby
This earned a move to Borussia Dortmund in January 2020, scoring 86 goals in 89 games for the German side, which led to Manchester City moving for him last summer.
With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva all capable of creating opportunities for Haaland, it was always a matter of how many opportunities he would take, particularly in a Manchester City side that dominate possession.
However, it has not always been a success when in form strikers form Europe come to the Premier League, with Timo Werner, Diego Forlan, Andrey Shevchenko and Alvaro Morata all examples of strikers who struggled in England, despite being successful in other European leagues.
This was in the mind of Youtuber Rory Jennings - who has 205k subscribers on youtube - who was pessimistic about how Haaland would cope in the Premier League.
Previewing the new season back on Sky Sports's Soccer Social back in August, Jennings predicted he would only score 15 goals, just one more than he currently has.
This will never be topped pic.twitter.com/EWweBNwKvy
— Joel (@JoelFreemanEFC) October 3, 2022
“He isn’t the player that everybody thinks he is. People are saying that he is going to win the Golden Boot, that is outrageous.
It is so disrespectful to the establishment. The Mo Salah’s of the World, the Harry Kane’s of the word, the Heung-Min Son’s of the world.
To turn up to a new league and win the Golden Boot, that would be a ridiculous achievement. He’s wasteful in front of goal at times, his build up play isn’t good enough at the moment to play in a City team.
If he scores 15 it will be a really good season for him.”
With 14 goals and three assists after eight games, it’s fair to say he’s doing a bit better than having a “a really good season.”
Thankfully on Saturday’s episode of the show (before the Manchester derby), Jennings saw the funny side when reminded of his awful take in August.
The Saturday Social guests were tasked with ranking EVERY Premier League striker from A-E... 👀
Where will Rory Jennings place Erling Haaland? 🤔 #SaturdaySocial pic.twitter.com/ojkxTEgw3t— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 1, 2022
Jennings walked the take back when given the chance.
I'm not insane. Obviously not. I think what happened is that the Chelsea curse of strikers got to me. I think it was the curse of Chris Sutton...or the curse of Mateja Kezman. It's got to me.
All pundits have clangers in their pantry, and we admire how maturely Jennings has taken this one. If you're going to have a bad take, why not have the worst of them all?
SEE ALSO: Carragher Expertly Breaks Down One Of Haaland's Most Frightening Attributes
