Who can beat Haaland in golden boot race? - Source: Getty
Who can beat Haaland in golden boot race? - Source: Getty
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has named two players who can challenge Erling Haaland for the Premier League golden boot this season. Since joining Manchester City in 2022, Erling Haaland has been the top scorer of the English top-flight three times.
The Norwegian has missed out on the golden boot only once, in 2024/25, when Mohamed Salah took home the award. Erling Haaland endured a slow start to the ongoing campaign after failing to score in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and Manchester City's opening Premier League game against Bournemouth.
However, since then, Erling Haaland has scored five goals in four Premier League games to propel Manchester City to the top of the table. He is now leading the race for the golden boot award, with Liverpool's Alexander Isak chasing him in second-place with four goals.
Despite Liverpool's record signing being in the hunt for the golden boot, Murphy rated Chelsea star Joao Pedro and Arsenal man Kai Havertz as the two players who can actually challenge Erling Haaland.
Murphy pointed to how Pedro is being supported by Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers at Chelsea, which makes him a good contender for the golden boot. He also believes that the Brazilian not playing in Europe also gives him an edge, making him the 'main threat' to the Man City ace in the race.
Havertz has been tipped as the 'dark horse' in the golden boot race by Murphy. Although Murphy does not fancy the German to win the award, he feels the Arsenal man can score loads of goals when fit and available.
Although he backed both Pedro and Havertz, Murphy strongly believes Erling Haaland is still the favorite to win the golden boot, thanks to his ability to score scrappy goals even when he's not playing well enough.
Murphy told Snabbare (h/t Metro):
"I think Joao Pedro is his main threat to Erling Haaland because of all the qualities he’s got and, more importantly, who’s feeding him.
"When you’ve got Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers feeding him every week, if they stay fit and aren’t in Europe playing one game a week, he’s going to get chances, that’s for sure.
"I still think even if he has a brilliant season he’ll fall behind Haaland, because Haaland’s got this wonderful ability to score all types of scrappy goals even when he’s not playing well or looks a little bit out of the game.
"He somehow finds a way of scoring. It’s ridiculous and incredible what he’s doing.
"The other dark horse, if he stays fit, might be Havertz, not necessarily to catch Haaland, but to be in the top three or four, because Havertz is a calm finisher.
"If he stays fit Arsenal are going to get him chances, plus he’s brilliant in the air. I think he could be up there pushing behind Haaland, because if Arsenal keep dominating and winning games like they do, and he looks fit, he’s going to score loads of goals."
Erling Haaland is currently out on international duty with Norway, who face Wales in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.
Will Erling Haaland lead mass exodus of Manchester City stars after financial breach charges?
Manchester City face 114 charges relating to Financial Fair Play rules brought by the Premier League. The Premier League giants are set to launch an appeal against the ruling. However, that does not necessarily mean the punishment will be withheld while the hearing is ongoing.
Understandably, there have been questions about Manchester City being able to retain their best players amid the controversy surrounding the breaches. Erling Haaland is one of their most valued assets and could attract interest from other clubs depending on what punishment Manchester City receive.
As such, the appeal is crucial for Manchester City. The club's illustrious recent history is under the scanner and the last thing they want now is a potential punishment that would force them to part ways with their best players.