'Crazy standards!' - Erling Haaland grabs 40th goal in 41st appearance for Norway as Man City striker becomes top scorer in Europe's top-five leagues despite 'poor season'

Haaland's latest strike came in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Israel, following up on his team's dominant 5-0 win against Moldova. He was instrumental in Norway’s attacking display, with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard playing a crucial role by providing three assists, including setting up goals for both Haaland and Atletico Madrid sensation Alexander Sorloth.

Haaland now has 38 goals and five assists in 46 appearances this season, which makes him the player with the most strikes for club and country in the top five European leagues. City fans lavished praise on the Norwegian striker on X after he reached the milestone.

@Priceless_MCI wrote: "43G/A in 46 games for Haaland this season and he is supposed be having a poor season, crazy standards."

Whereas, @poculumwinecup wrote: "Haaland's international record is insane."

Meanwhile, @radhoo12 wrote: "40 goals in 41 appearances for Norway and Erling Haaland is getting comparisons with Isak. 😭😭😭😭😭".

Whereas, @u_Thato wrote: "City shirts in the Norway stands lol. Haaland motion >."

Meanwhile, an Arsenal fan, @leafricangooner, believes Odegaard is the secret to Haaland's international success: "Haaland's Greatest Weapon? Having Martin Odegaard in behind him. 🎯 🪄".

The Norwegian striker’s dominance is not just limited to international football. His prolific goal-scoring abilities have made him a record-breaker in the Premier League as well. After successfully converting a penalty in Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Brighton prior to the international window, Haaland reached an astonishing milestone of 84 goals and 16 assists in just 94 league appearances. This achievement makes him the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goal contributions. The previous record was held by Alan Shearer, who achieved the feat in 100 matches back in 1995.

For Pep Guardiola’s side, Haaland has continued to be the primary attacking threat, showcasing his reliability in front of goal. So far this season, he has scored 21 goals in 28 Premier League matches, leading Manchester City’s charge. He will soon be back in action for City as they prepare for their FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth on March 30.