KEY POINTS

  • Man City defeated Leeds 3-1 on Wednesday
  • Haaland scored a brace in that game
  • The 22-year-old netted 20 goals in the Premier League

Erling Haaland said he has been a "bit mad" for not being a part of the FIFA World Cup after scoring a record Premier League goal on Wednesday.

Haaland netted a brace in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Leeds United. The two goals at Elland Road took Haaland's goals tally to 20 in the Premier League. By scoring 20 goals in 14 games, the Norwegian forward became the fastest player to hit the 20-goal mark in Premier League history.

The former Borussia Dortmund star, who failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup with Norway, has now scored three goals in two games for City since the 2022-23 campaign resumed after a long international break.

"I've been at home, a bit mad that I've not been at the World Cup. I recharged my batteries. Watching other people score to win games at the World Cup triggered, motivated and irritated me. I'm more hungry and more ready than ever. To be honest, I get really p----d when I miss a chance. That's the truth. But when I miss, I want to score even more. That's the funny thing—when I score one, it's such a good feeling I want to score another goal, so it's positive," Haaland reportedly said.

Having played 20 matches for City in the 2022-23 season, across competitions, Haaland has netted 26 goals and provided three assists. The Norway national player has a goal target for the ongoing campaign but has insisted that he will not reveal it until he reaches it.

"I have a target but I cannot say it. I just said inside the dressing room that I could have scored five, but the most important thing is that we won. For me, as a striker, I have to score more. I could have scored a couple more, but that's life and I have to train more," added Haaland.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland (C) celebrates scoring against Southampton
AFP

Defending champions Manchester City are still in second place in the 2022-23 Premier League table as they are five points behind leaders Arsenal. Pep Guardiola's side has 35 points from 15 matches and are just two points ahead of third-placed Newcastle United.

City's final game of the year is a home fixture at Etihad Stadium against Everton in the league on Saturday.

Soccer