Erling Haaland explains lack of Leeds celebration as he smashes new Premier League record - The Mirror 29/12/22
Erling Haaland took his Premier League goal tally to 20 after scoring a brace against Leeds United on Wednesday but the Norwegian international decided against celebrating
Erling Haaland has admitted that he didn't celebrate his two
goals against Leeds United because he has "respect" for the club
after being born in the city.
The Manchester City forward struck his 19th and 20th Premier
League goals of the season as Pep Guardiola's side ran out 3-1 winners at
Elland Road. Rodri also found the net for City, who closed the gap on leaders
Arsenal to five points at the top of the table heading into their New Year's
Eve clash with Everton.
But, unsurprisingly, it was Haaland who stole the show yet
again with two excellent finishes to continue his impressive start to the
campaign. His first was a simple tap-in after Jack Grealish pinched the ball
off Robin Koch, before running through on goal and squaring across to Haaland
to stroke home.
Grealish was also the provider for Haaland's second as the
Norwegian played a one-two with the ex-Aston Villa man before coolly slotting
into the corner with his weaker right foot. However, Haaland chose to do a
muted celebration for both goals after he was born in Leeds back in 2000.
He told VG: "It was planned. I did not feel like
celebrating. I was born in Leeds and have respect for the club.
He continued: "I of course celebrated with Jack
Grealish and said 'Great work!' because it was two fantastic assists. Mum and
dad were at the stadium. That is special. When I was little I had a Leeds kit
with Eirik Bakke on the back and a City kit with my dad's name."
Was Erling Haaland right not to celebrate both of his goals
against Leeds? Let us know in the comments below!
Erling's father, Alfie, played for the Whites when his son
was born 22 years ago. But he was just a matter of months old when Alfie chose
to move to City, where the family connection now lies. The 50-year-old was a
cult hero at the club before breaking his leg following a horrendous challenge
from Roy Keane.
Alfie was forced to retire from the top level after the
incident despite playing some matches in the fourth tier of Norwegian football
with Rosseland. Despite being born in England, however, Erling chose to play
for Norway at international level and he has since grabbed 21 goals in 23
matches for his nation.
Haaland's record at club level is as phenomenal and teammate
Kevin de Bruyne reckons the forward can reach astronomical numbers if he
carries on his scoring rate throughout his career.
"It's very hard to compare strikers because they are
all totally different," said De Bruyne. "They play in the same
position, but some are physical players, some are speed demons and they can all
score goals for fun.
"Erling hasn’t because of his age, but they have all
scored 300 or 400 goals. Erling is so obsessed with goals, he can maybe go
beyond that. He already has about 200 goals, so he can probably go to 600, 700
or 800 if he stays fit and does the things that he does."
