Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has openly acknowledged that his performance in recent weeks has not met his own high standards. The Norwegian forward admitted that he needs to improve immediately after scoring only two goals from penalties in his last eight Premier League matches.
Despite this brief dip in form, Haaland remained decisive for City, leading them to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026. He converted a late penalty in stoppage time after assisting Bernardo Silva for the equalizer in the 84th minute, showcasing his continued influence on the team.
Haaland’s League Scoring Drought
Haaland has not found the net from open play in the league since Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over West Ham on December 20, 2025. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old striker continues to lead the Premier League’s top scorer chart with 21 goals this season, underlining his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.
“I haven’t scored enough goals since the start of this year, and I know I need to improve,” Haaland admitted in an interview with ESPN on Monday, February 9, 2026.
“I need to be sharper and keep working because that’s what everyone expects. There’s no excuse. Most of the fatigue comes from the mind rather than the body,” he added, highlighting his mental focus as much as his physical preparation.
Haaland’s Primary Focus
The forward emphasized that his main priority is maintaining fitness to remain available for Manchester City amidst a congested fixture schedule. With the club competing on multiple fronts, staying physically and mentally sharp is critical to sustaining their title challenge.
The Anfield victory also marked a historic achievement for City. For the first time since the 1936/1937 season, they have managed to defeat Liverpool in both home and away league fixtures within a single campaign. The result reduced the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to six points.
City now has the opportunity to further narrow the deficit to three points with a win against Fulham in their next fixture, keeping their title hopes very much alive.
Chasing the Title Until the End
The highly anticipated showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on April 18, 2026, could prove pivotal in determining this season’s Premier League champion.
“We’ve already seen that the title race isn’t over until it’s really over,” Haaland stated. “Right now, I just want to recover, eat well, and focus on Fulham because there are still many matches to play.”
Haaland’s commitment to bouncing back serves as a positive signal for Manchester City as they aim to retain the Premier League crown. His determination to overcome the slow start reflects both personal pride and the high expectations placed on him by the club and fans alike.
Mental Strength and Team Leadership
Haaland’s recent comments also underline the importance of mental resilience in elite football. While goal-scoring droughts can affect even the most prolific strikers, Haaland demonstrates a clear understanding that success depends not only on finishing ability but also on maintaining confidence, focus, and composure under pressure.
His leadership extends beyond scoring goals. By assisting Silva and creating key opportunities, Haaland shows that he can influence matches even when he isn’t converting chances himself. This multifaceted contribution is essential for Manchester City, particularly in tight contests against top Premier League opponents.
Looking Ahead
With the season entering its decisive stages, Haaland’s resurgence could be crucial for Manchester City’s ambitions. The title race remains fiercely competitive, and each match carries significant weight in shaping the championship outcome. Haaland’s ability to regain form in open play will be closely watched by fans, pundits, and rivals alike.
Moreover, the Norwegian striker’s focus on recovery, nutrition, and mental preparation demonstrates his professionalism and commitment to the club’s goals. For a team with aspirations in both domestic and European competitions, having a forward of Haaland’s caliber firing on all cylinders is invaluable.
Manchester City supporters can take solace in the fact that despite a temporary dip in form, their star striker remains determined to lead the team through the crucial final months of the season. Haaland’s mindset and work ethic could make the difference as City chases a historic consecutive Premier League triumph.
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