Erling Haaland Shines for Norway Amid Manchester City’s Struggles
Erling Haaland momentarily set aside Manchester City’s tough spell to deliver a spectacular performance for Norway in their UEFA Nations League fixtures, scoring a hat-trick to secure his country’s promotion to League A.
Haaland’s International Brilliance
City’s star striker played a pivotal role in Norway’s success, scoring in a 4-0 victory against Slovenia and following it up with a stunning hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Kazakhstan. By halftime in Oslo, Haaland had already scored twice, with Alexander Sorloth adding a third. Haaland sealed his treble 20 minutes from time, while Antonio Nusa capped the performance with another goal.
Haaland’s three goals propelled his international tally to 35 goals in 38 senior appearances, including an impressive seven goals in this Nations League campaign alone. Norway topped their group with 13 points, earning automatic promotion, while Austria were relegated to the play-offs after failing to beat Slovenia.
City’s Recent Struggles
The international break provided Haaland with a welcome distraction from City’s ongoing woes. Guardiola’s side has suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions—a first in the manager’s career—leaving the Premier League champions five points adrift of Liverpool after 11 games.
Haaland, who scored 10 goals in his first five league games, has seen his domestic scoring rate dip, coinciding with the team’s poor form. However, his dazzling international performances suggest a return to form could be just around the corner.
Rúben Dias Sends a Warning
Amid questions surrounding City’s form, centre-back Rúben Dias has issued a defiant message to their critics.
“I would say, please doubt us, doubt us, feel welcome to do so,” Dias remarked. “When we did the treble, we even called it the dark January. We had a tough period. But it is what it is. What matters is how you bounce back from these moments.
“That’s why our team has won so much because in moments of difficulty, the characters come up, and we stay together. We don’t find people to kill; we find people to bring into the cause and fight together. That’s what we need to do once again. Until it’s done, it’s not done.”
What’s Next for Haaland and City?
As Manchester City prepare to face Tottenham in the Premier League on November 23, fans will be hoping Haaland can carry his red-hot international form back to club level. With City facing criticism, this could be the perfect moment for Guardiola’s men to regroup and remind everyone why they are reigning treble winners.
