Top 10 Erling Haaland Performances of 2023

Top Erling Haaland Performances of 2023

In 2023, one man scored more goals in England’s Premier League than anyone in its history. That man was Erling Haaland, a 23-year-old Norwegian striker who led Manchester City to a collection of historic trophies. The sheer volume of his goals left even seasoned experts stunned.

His dominance comes from a rare combination of a towering 6’4″ frame, blistering pace, and an almost psychic ability to be exactly where the ball is going to be. To understand the patterns behind the records, let’s revisit the key games that reveal his genius and show you precisely what to look for the next time he steps onto the pitch.

The Moment That Shattered a 30-Year Premier League Record

Of all the goals Erling Haaland has scored, one moment from May 2023 cemented his place in the history books. During a home game against West Ham United, he stood on the verge of breaking the all-time single-season scoring record. For nearly three decades, the magic number was 34, a benchmark set by legends Alan Shearer and Andy Cole that was considered almost untouchable in the modern era.

With his goal in that match, Haaland scored his 35th of the season, single-handedly rewriting history in his very first year in the league. Fittingly, the record-breaker wasn’t a thunderous strike but a display of intelligence. Spotting a gap, Haaland made a darting run and was met with a perfect pass. As the goalkeeper rushed out, he calmly lifted the ball with a delicate chip, watching it nestle into the net. This goal of pure finesse proved his game is about more than just power.

The ‘Unfair’ Combination of Speed and Power

While his record-breaking goal was about finesse, many of his defining moments showcase his unbelievable physical gifts. At 6’4″, Haaland is a giant, but he combines that frame with the explosive speed of a track sprinter. This rare blend creates impossible dilemmas for defenders.

Opposing teams face a “pick your poison” scenario. If a big, strong defender tries to outmuscle him, Haaland sprints past them into open space. If a quicker defender matches his pace, he uses his immense strength to shield the ball and create an easy shot. It’s a tactical nightmare that often looks completely unfair. A classic Haaland goal frequently starts with this physical dominance—watch for the moment a defender tries to challenge him, only to seemingly bounce off his frame.

Mastering the Art of the ‘Hat-Trick’

That ability to physically dominate often leads to Haaland scoring not just once, but in bunches. In football, scoring three goals in a single game is a “hat-trick.” For most, it’s a career highlight; for Haaland, it’s a habit. He shattered the Premier League record for the fastest player to score three hat-tricks, doing so in just eight games. The previous record holder needed 48.

His hat-tricks are remarkable for their variety, showcasing his complete skill set. His performance against Burnley in the FA Cup is a perfect example, where he scored three entirely different types of goals:

• One was a classic Haaland power strike, hit with ferocious first-time accuracy.
• The next was a pure instinct goal, being in the perfect spot to tap in a rebound.
• The third was a display of pure finesse—a delicate chip lofted gently over the helpless goalkeeper.

This single-game summary shows a player who can beat you with strength, intelligence, or a surprisingly soft touch. But for Haaland, sometimes even three goals isn’t enough.

The 5-Goal Rampage on Football’s Biggest Stage

While winning trophies in England is a massive achievement, the biggest prize in European football is the UEFA Champions League—a tournament for the best clubs across the continent. It’s where legends are made.

On this grand stage, in a high-pressure knockout game against German side RB Leipzig, Haaland delivered one of the most astonishing performances in the competition’s history. He didn’t just score a hat-trick; he scored five goals in a single match. This was a complete dismantling of a top-tier European opponent when the stakes were highest. Scoring five goals in one Champions League game is so rare that he joined an ultra-exclusive club of just three players to ever accomplish the feat, alongside greats like Lionel Messi.

The Telepathic Partnership That Creates ‘Easy’ Goals

Even a goal-scoring machine like Haaland can’t do it all alone. His success is amplified by his teammates, particularly by one of the best passers in the world, Kevin De Bruyne. The pass that leads to a goal is an “assist,” and the Haaland-De Bruyne partnership is a masterclass in this art, linking up for goals so often it feels telepathic.

This connection isn’t just luck; it’s built on Haaland’s other superpower: his brain. While most fans watch the ball, Haaland is already moving into the space where the ball is going to be. He makes tiny, explosive sprints that leave defenders flat-footed, creating a perfect passing lane for De Bruyne. It’s a skill he honed long before arriving in England; his incredible stats at his previous club, Borussia Dortmund, were also fueled by this intelligent movement. The result often looks like an easy tap-in, but it’s really a two-part masterpiece: De Bruyne’s vision and Haaland’s instinct.

Haaland vs. Mbappé: Football’s Two New Superstars

For years, fans have debated who will define the next era of football: Erling Haaland or the French forward, Kylian Mbappé. While both are breathtaking goalscorers, comparing them is like comparing a heavyweight boxer to a master fencer. They are both elite, but their tools are fundamentally different.

Haaland is the ultimate finishing point, a pure striker using strength and power to dominate the area in front of the goal. Mbappé is all about explosive speed and dazzling footwork in open space, often starting on the wings before cutting inside to score. One is a force of nature; the other is a blur of motion. The fascination with their rivalry comes from this clash of styles: overwhelming power versus unstoppable speed.

How to Watch Erling Haaland Play

Ready to see the phenomenon for yourself? The best way to track Haaland’s games is to visit Manchester City’s official website for the most reliable Man City next match schedule.

Finding what channel is the Man City game on depends on your location, as broadcast rights are sold country-by-country. To figure out where to watch Haaland play live:

1. Note the Competition: Check the schedule to see if it’s a Premier League, FA Cup, or Champions League match.
2. Find Your Broadcaster: Search online for “[Your Country] Premier League broadcaster” to find the local channel or streaming service with the rights.
3. Watch Online: Most broadcasters have apps showing you how to watch Manchester City games online.

If you don’t have time for a full match, official Haaland match highlights today are posted on the YouTube channels for Manchester City and the respective leagues shortly after games end.

What to Watch For Next

The blur of motion and burst of the net that define an Erling Haaland goal are no longer a mystery. You can now see the specific craft behind the phenomenon—the blend of intelligence, power, and instinct that makes him a generational talent.

The next time you watch him, ignore the ball for a moment and instead observe his explosive, ghost-like movements into empty space. See his physical battles to unbalance defenders, and notice how many of his goals are scored with a single, powerful touch. As a new season unfolds, his challenge is staying fit to continue rewriting the record books. You won’t just be a spectator watching the ball—you’ll be an informed fan spotting the genius at work.