He’s always stepping on me, I don’t know what he wants

On Saturday, Erling Haaland once again demonstrated why he is one of the most feared strikers in the world, helping Manchester City to a confident start in their Premier League title defense.

The Norwegian forward, known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, found the back of the net in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a precise assist from Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese playmaker's contribution was instrumental, not only setting up the opening goal but also controlling the tempo of the game, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.

Haaland's goal marked his 91st in just 100 official appearances for Manchester City, an astonishing achievement that continues to underline his status as one of the most prolific forwards in football today. His ability to consistently perform at such a high level is a key reason why City has been so dominant under Pep Guardiola, and Saturday's match was no exception. City’s controlled and disciplined performance at Stamford Bridge showed why they are the team to beat in the Premier League once again this season.

Despite the victory, the match wasn't without its moments of tension, particularly between Haaland and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Benfica, was involved in a series of heated exchanges with Haaland throughout the game. These duels became one of the main talking points after the match, overshadowing even the result itself. Fernández, known for his tenacity and aggressive style of play, seemed intent on disrupting Haaland’s rhythm, engaging in physical battles that tested the composure of the City forward.

When asked about these confrontations in the post-match interviews, Haaland didn’t shy away from discussing the challenge posed by Fernández. The Norwegian striker appeared somewhat puzzled by the level of aggression directed at him but took it in stride, acknowledging that such tactics are part and parcel of top-level football. “Enzo? He’s always stepping on me, pushing me, and everything else. It’s not just him, and I don’t know what he wants, but that’s apparently what they do,” Haaland remarked with a sense of bemusement. His comments reflected a level of maturity and understanding that comes with being a target for defenders game after game.

Haaland’s ability to maintain focus despite these distractions is one of the many reasons he has been so successful. His physical presence and mental toughness allow him to thrive in the often rough and tumble environment of Premier League football, where opponents frequently resort to physicality to try and neutralize his threat.

Reflecting on the broader context of the season, Haaland emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused on the immediate task at hand. “We just won the Premier League, so we’re taking it game by game. There are still 37 games left, and we’ve just won the first of the season,” he said, acknowledging the long and arduous journey ahead. For Haaland and Manchester City, the goal is clear: to maintain the high standards that have brought them so much success and to continue building on their early momentum.

Haaland also touched on the passage of time and his growth as a player, noting with some surprise how quickly his time in England has flown by. “It’s incredible to have everyone back, and we’re starting from here. It’s ridiculous how fast time flies; I’m already in my third season,” he observed, a reminder of how quickly football careers can evolve. Despite his relatively young age, Haaland speaks with the experience of a seasoned veteran, fully aware of the pressures and expectations that come with playing for one of the world’s top clubs.

The Norwegian star concluded by expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially given the early stage of the season. “I’m happy, especially after a win. It’s our first game back, and we’re not in perfect form, but we put in a very solid performance. We stayed calm and played our game it was amazing to see,” Haaland concluded, signaling his readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.

As Manchester City embark on yet another campaign with high ambitions, Haaland's words and actions set the tone for what could be another historic season. With players like Bernardo Silva pulling the strings and Haaland leading the line, City looks poised to continue their dominance, with the Chelsea match serving as a strong opening statement. However, as Haaland himself acknowledged, the road is long, and maintaining focus, game by game, will be key to their success.