Haaland hits form as Man City face make-or-break month

Manchester City’s Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Luton Town and Manchester City at Kenilworth Road stadium in Luton, central England, on February 27, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / 

Erling Haaland’s five-goal haul in an FA Cup demolition of Luton sent an ominous warning to Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals that the Norwegian is hitting top form in time for a momentous month in the title race.

City’s 6-2 romp at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday left them on course to repeat the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup they won in Haaland’s first season at the club last year.

Pep Guardiola’s men are sandwiched between Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, with just two points separating the top three.

But the next few weeks will go a long way towards deciding whether City become the first side ever to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

Manchester United can be forgiven for feeling mounting trepidation ahead of their trip to the Etihad on Sunday after Haaland hit a hat-trick in a 6-3 demolition when they visited City last season.

The English champions then travel to Liverpool and host Arsenal before March is out. They begin April by welcoming fourth-placed Aston Villa.

– ‘We’re coming’ –
Haaland has struck 27 times in 30 appearances in a season disrupted by a two-month absence due to a foot injury.

But despite those impressive numbers the 23-year-old, who scored 52 goals last season, had found the net just three times in nine games since his return from injury prior to the Luton game.

“It’s coming, we’re coming,” said Haaland. “I am getting back to my best. Finally