"Haaland has never disappointed us since arriving here," Guardiola said after the win at Etihad on 14/9. "He played very well from the first season, but this season Haaland is better than ever, even better than the treble-winning season. He's dynamic, always wants to score and help the team."

Erling Haaland curls in the final goal in Man City's 3-0 victory over Man Utd in the fourth round of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK on 14/9/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

Haaland joined Man City in 2022 and had an immediate impact. The Norwegian striker scored 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-2023 season, helping Man City achieve a historic treble, winning the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.

In the Premier League alone, Haaland scored 36 goals, breaking the single-season scoring record previously held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole (both with 34 goals). In the Champions League, Haaland also won the Golden Boot with 12 goals, including a record five goals in a 7-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the second leg of the round of 16 at Etihad.

This season, Haaland currently leads the Premier League scoring charts with 5 goals in 4 games, including a brace in yesterday's 3-0 win against Man Utd at Etihad.

Haaland has now reached 90 Premier League goals, surpassing Chelsea legend Didier Drogba (88 goals) despite playing 93 fewer games. The Norwegian striker has also reached 50 goals in 50 home games for Man City in the Premier League, just shy of the record held by former English player Alan Shearer (47 games).

"We needed this victory," Haaland said after the match. "You always want to win the derby, but today, the whole team was more determined. So, I'm relieved and very happy. It's great to win, but we have to keep going."

Erling Haaland (right) celebrates with Gianluigi Donnarumma. *Photo: Yahoo Sports*

In an interview with Sky Sports, Haaland was awarded the Man of the Match award by teammate Phil Foden. The 25-year-old striker accepted the award and said, "It should have gone to Gianluigi Donnarumma, he was unbelievable."

Donnarumma joined Man City on the last day of the summer transfer window and made his debut in yesterday's Manchester derby. The Italian goalkeeper immediately showcased his class with two crucial saves, including a diving save to deny Bryan Mbeumo's left-footed volley despite obstructed vision.

On 15/9, Donnarumma and his new teammates will face Napoli in their first Champions League match of the 2025-2026 season, also at Etihad.

Compiled by Hong Duy