Can Erling Haaland fire Manchester City to the title?

After falling short of expectations last term, Manchester City have bounced back with a vengeance in the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 2024/25 campaign saw them surrender their title to Liverpool, prompting serious questions about player quality, fatigue, and tactical stagnation. Yet, as Pep Guardiola’s men often do, they have responded emphatically.

The summer rest seems to have re-energised the squad. Manchester City are starting to look sharper, quicker, and far more ruthless than they did last season, while key players like Phil Foden are getting back to their best, and, most importantly, Erling Haaland looks more devastating than ever before.

Haaland back to his brilliant best 

Erling Haaland’s form has been instrumental in Manchester City’s recent resurgence. After suffering with injury last term, the Norwegian is fit, firing, and hungry for more.

At the time of writing, Haaland leads the Premier League scoring charts, netting goals in crucial games. With 13 goals to his name after only 10 appearances, he is single-handedly putting City in title contention.

What makes Haaland so vital to Manchester City isn’t just his goalscoring; it’s how his presence shapes the team’s entire attacking structure. His power and movement occupy defenders, freeing space for others to exploit.

When he’s on the pitch, City’s creativity feels purposeful and direct. Guardiola has adjusted his tactics to suit Haaland’s strengths, and it’s paying off, with Premier League betting online indicating City are one of the favourites to win the title, largely due to Haaland’s goal returns.

Guardiola’s tactical refinement

After experimenting heavily last season while Manchester City toiled, Pep Guardiola appears to have rediscovered the right balance this term.

The defence looks more settled, with Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol forming a solid partnership, while Gianluigi Donnarumma has been impressive in goal. The return to a more structured system has provided clarity, allowing City to do what they do best; perform and win.

Guardiola is also placing more trust in younger players such as Nico O’Reilly and Oscar Bobb, and they’ve given the team fresh energy. The mix of experience and youth has reignited City’s drive and intensity, crucial ingredients for a title challenge.

City will need others to step up

Erling Haaland is a striker who is all about goals. With 13 goals to his name and counting, City will always have a chance to win games and trophies with him in the team, especially when he’s in such destructive form.

However, Haaland has suffered from injuries in the past, and with City’s second top scorer being numerous players with only 1 goal, others have to share the burden.

There are undoubtedly goals in this team, as proven by their recent outing in the Champions League. But the likes of Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku need to deliver in the Premier League, too. If, for some reason, Haaland is unavailable, having alternative supply will be crucial.

Conclusion

When it comes to goals this season, nobody compares to Erling Haaland in the Premier League. And, right now, you’d have to say he’s firing City into title contention. The great thing for Pep Guardiola’s side is that they know even if they aren’t playing well, if they can supply Haaland with a chance or two, he will take them. How many other teams can say the same?