Since joining the Premier League, Erling Haaland has become synonymous with goal scoring consistency.
Regardless of how Manchester City are performing as a team, Haaland seems to be a constant on the scoresheet, finding the back of the net at a rate rarely seen before — if ever.
The Norwegian striker continues to set the league alight and is firmly on course to win the Golden Boot for the third season running.
But for many, Haaland's widespread goal scoring credentials aren't enough to gain all-time great status. Many strikers nowadays are judged not only on their overall scoring record, but how they do in the biggest matches against the best opponents.
In the Premier League, the best strikers show up on the biggest stage, often believed to be the 'big six' clubs who challenge for trophies most often at the highest level of English football.
The Sporting News takes a look at who the 'big six' are, as well as Haaland's record in the biggest games of the season, and how he compares to other top flight greats in recent English football history.
MORE: Why goal difference is so vital in Premier League title races
Who are the Premier League's 'big six'?
Before we get into Haaland's record, let us explain who the 'big six' are.
The term "big six" refers to six prominent football clubs in England: Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.
These clubs have consistently been at the forefront of English football during the Premier League era (1992 onwards), not only for their on-field success but also for their global brand and commercial appeal.
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrate a goal.
Getty Images
The concept of the big six is a controversial one as some fans argue that their dominance stifles competition and prevents smaller clubs from breaking into the elite status.
We have seen so-called 'smaller clubs' challenge in the Premier League, most famously Leicester City in 2015/16 when they went on to win the title, but they remain the league's dominant forces. There is, however, the prospect of a 'big seven' on the horizon, with Newcastle United now bankrolled by the astonishing wealth of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Erling Haaland goals against the Premier League 'big six'
Haaland's career against the other five clubs amongst the 'big six' in the league got off to a pretty insane start as he bagged a hat-trick in the Manchester derby against hated cross-town rivals United. He did then, however, go three games without a goal against these sides.
Perhaps the most baffling stat is that he went all the way until May 14, 2024 before scoring away from home against a team from the big six, netting twice in the penultimate match of the 2023/24 season away at Tottenham.
Stats up to date as of January 24, 2026.
Season Games Goals Assists
2022/23 9 6 4
2023/24 11 8 3
2024/25 10 7 1
2025/26 6 4 0
TOTAL 36 25 8
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are the first players in Premier League history to both score hat-tricks in the same game against a 'Big Six' side. 🎩🎩
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 2, 2022
Most goals against Premier League big six
For football fans, especially those engrossed in England's top flight, judging a player's performance against the so-called big six has become common practice, especially across social media.
The focus stems from the belief that a player's ability to deliver against top-tier teams is a true reflection of their quality.
Goals scored or assists provided in matches against clubs like Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Spurs are seen as particularly noteworthy achievements.
Therefore, stats related to performances against the big six hold significant weight in discussions about player form, consistency, and their overall impact on the team.
Below is a list of the leading scorers in league matches against the big six during the Premier League era (so, from 1992/93), as per Statmuse.
All-time list of players with most goals against Premier League 'big six'
Stats up to date as of January 24, 2026.
Player Team Matches Goals Av. goals per min
1. Alan Shearer Newcastle United 129 56 0.43
2. Mohamed Salah* Liverpool, Chelsea 84 50 0.60
3. Jamie Vardy** Leicester City 108 45 0.42
= Wayne Rooney Manchester United, Everton 135 45 0.33
5. Sergio Aguero Manchester City 75 44 0.59
6. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Chelsea, Leeds United 81 41 0.51
7. Harry Kane** Tottenham Hotspur 81 39 0.48
8. Thierry Henry Arsenal 61 34 0.56
= Dion Dublin Manchester United, Aston Villa 92 34 0.37
10. Robbie Fowler Liverpool 90 33 0.37
11. Andrew Cole Manchester United, Newcastle United, Manchester City 109 32 0.29
*Denotes active player in the Premier League
** Denotes active player at a club outside the Premier League