Before the match, Sunderland was the only team Haaland had faced in the Premier League without scoring. The Norway international played two matches against Sunderland last season but failed to find the net, despite three shots in 159 minutes.

That changed in the 81st minute of the game on 20/9. Haaland slid in at the far post to tap the ball into the net, extending Manchester City's lead to 5-3. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but VAR confirmed Haaland was onside, and the referee awarded the goal.

Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's fifth goal against Sunderland in the Premier League at the Etihad, Manchester, England, on 20/9/2026. Photo: AP

This was Haaland's 117th Premier League goal and his fifth of the 2026-2027 season. This achievement keeps the Manchester City forward at the top of the Golden Boot race, one goal ahead of Alexander Isak.

Haaland has now scored against all 25 teams he has played against in the Premier League since his debut in August 2022. This is a remarkable feat, as Haaland has completed the list after just over four seasons in England.

Harry Kane was the only player before Haaland to have played two or more matches and scored against every opponent he faced in the Premier League. Kane scored against 32 different teams during his time at Tottenham.

Haaland currently boasts a 25/25 record, but this number could increase to 26/26 before Christmas. Manchester City has not yet played Hull City since Haaland joined the Premier League. The two teams are scheduled to meet on 19/12, and if selected, Haaland will need to score to maintain his perfect record against all encountered opponents.

Haaland's collection of goals against opponents has been built with varying efficiency. West Ham is the team he has scored against most frequently, with 11 goals in eight matches. Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton follow with 10 goals each, while Manchester United has been on the receiving end of nine goals.

Haaland has also scored eight goals against Fulham, seven against Everton and Brighton, and six against Arsenal. He has five goals against Burnley, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest. The remaining teams on the list include Ipswich Town, Southampton, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bournemouth, Leicester City, Liverpool, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Luton Town, Coventry City, Sunderland, Aston Villa, and Newcastle.

Premier League teams Haaland has scored against, as of the end of 20/9/2026. Graphic: Xuan Binh (AI assisted)

Sunderland presented a unique challenge. After two scoreless matches, Haaland finally broke his duck against them. Prior to his goal, he had also missed several opportunities, including a tap-in in front of an open goal that went wide.

Enzo Fernandez, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo, with two goals, had put Manchester City ahead before Haaland scored the hosts' fifth. Striker Brian Brobbey netted a hat-trick for Sunderland, but it was not enough to prevent a 3-5 defeat.

Brobbey's hat-trick also made him the first player to score three goals in a Premier League match yet still lose since Roque Santa Cruz of Blackburn against Wigan in December 2007. Brobbey is also the first Sunderland player to score a hat-trick in the league in a decade since Jermain Defoe.

Haaland continues to set individual milestones since joining Manchester City. However, his record of scoring against every opponent he has faced is still some way off the all-time record for the most different teams scored against in the Premier League.

Frank Lampard currently holds the record with 39 different teams during his career. Andrew Cole is second with 38 teams, while Jermain Defoe and Alan Shearer both have 37.

Haaland has plenty of time to improve his tally of 25.

Xuan Binh (according to ESPN, Opta)