Erling Haaland has won the Premier League Player of the Month award for August following his electric start to the season for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Haaland, scored consecutive hat-tricks to finish the month on seven goals after just three games.
The Norway striker already appears the early favourite to win the Premier League Golden Boot with his nearest current challengers — Mo Salah, Noni Madueke, Bryan Mbeumo and Luis Diaz — already four back, on three goals each.
Haaland — as part of a City team that have made an ominous, 100% start to their 2024/25 Premier League campaign — scored in the opening-day win over Chelsea, before grabbing trebles against first Ipswich, and then West Ham.
While on Norway duty in the recent UEFA Nations League international break, Haaland added another strike to his already bulging season tally against Austria.
The other nominees on the list were Salah, Mbeumo, Amadou Onana, Cole Palmer, David Raya, Bukayo Saka and Danny Welbeck.
City’s next test is a home meeting with Brentford on Saturday, before they host Inter Milan in their opening UEFA Champions League tie of the season, a mouthwatering repeat of the 2023 final, which City memorably won in Istanbul.
The Citizens then play Arsenal at the Etihad on September 22 in a match that could already hold big implications for the title race.
Meanwhile, Haaland could reportedly miss Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Brentford with Pep Guardiola ready to approve a compassionate leave.
The Haaland family is grieving the loss of Ivar Eggja, a long-time family friend and confidant, after he passed away at the age of 59.
He played a vital role in Haaland’s career and personal life, offering both guidance and support during the striker’s meteoric rise to football stardom. Haaland, who affectionately referred to Eggja as ‘uncle’ is understandably devastated by the loss.
According to Daily Mail, Haaland trained with the team on Thursday but could still miss the weekend’s clash if he chooses to take time off.
Guardiola prioritises the player’s emotional well-being and will grant him a “compassionate leave” if the striker puts in a request.
