Erling Haaland underlined his goalscoring form ahead of the Manchester derby as the Manchester City striker smashed five goals as Norway hit 11 in their World Cup qualifier
Erling Haaland bagged five goals against Moldova
Erling Haaland bagged five goals against Moldova(Image: AP)
Erling Haaland warmed up for this Sunday's Manchester derby in ideal fashion by scoring five of Norway's 11 against Moldova in a World Cup qualifier.
The Norwegians are closing in on a first World Cup appearance since 1998 and their prolific striker is in the midst of some sensational form with a five-goal haul just days before Manchester City face neighbours Manchester United in a must-win game for both sides.
Haaland has already scored three times in as many Premier League games this term, but Pep Guardiola's side have just three points from a possible nine. They need to see off their local rivals this weekend and Haaland looks primed.
The City marksman bagged three goals in 32 first-half minutes at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo to net his fifth hat-trick for his country. He would add two more in the second-half and also produce another two assists to keep the scoreboard rolling over. Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard came off the bench to score four second-half goals.
Haaland has now scored nine times during qualifying for the World Cup, more than any other player, and his impressive exploits come at the ideal time for his club ahead of hosting United at the Etihad.
The 25-year-old also became first player to score five goals for his country since 1948 with Tuesday night's exploits and said: “A great game. We pulled it off in the end. A historic evening!”
Arsenal star Odegaard admitted that it was a dream to play with Haaland, as he heaped praise on the City frontman: “It's a dream to play with him. I know he times the runs perfectly. Then it's just a matter of hitting, and then it mostly goes to the finish when he gets it.”
The Man City star already has three goals in three Premier League games this term
The Man City star already has three goals in three Premier League games this term
Even compatriot and Fulham star Sander Berge confessed sometimes he sits back and simply enjoys watching the duo go to work: “These are two of the world's best footballers. When they do it in the Premier League, you almost expect them to do it when they get so much space. There are some sick goals of course, but they are on that shelf. Then you just have to enjoy yourself and watch.”
Haaland scored the opening goal in City's last game before Brighton staged a late comeback to beat Pep Guardiola's side. It leaves them six points off league leaders Liverpool and they can ill-afford to drop any more points if they want to retain title ambitions.
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