When Roy Keane called Erling Haaland “almost League Two level” after Manchester City drew 0-0 with Arsenalthe striker had not scored in five matches and City had not scored in a Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium for the first time since October 2021.
The Premier League title remained out of City’s reach as then-leaders Liverpool were two points clear of Arsenal and three ahead of the Blues.
But since that disappointing result on March 31, Pep Guardiola’s side have won six consecutive league games and are now one point behind leaders Arsenal, having played one game less.
And Haaland, 23, has played a leading role in the resurgence, scoring seven goals in four league matches, including four against Wolves in a 5-1 victory on Saturday.
The Norwegian is not only responding brilliantly on the pitch, he is also calm off it.
Asked about Keane’s comments following his side’s victory over Wolves, he told Viaplay: “I don’t really care that much about that man, so it’s all good.”
Keane has a history with the Haaland family, having injured Erling’s father Alf-Inge with a poor tackle in a 2001 Manchester derby.
Speaking as a commentator for Sky Sports after the draw against Arsenal, Keane said of Haaland: “The levels of his overall game are so bad, and not just today. His overall game for a player like that is so bad, I think he has to improve that, he’s almost like a League Two player.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards backed Keane, adding that Haaland’s link-up play was “non-existent” against the Gunners.
But against Wolves on Saturday, Richards praised Haaland.
“Since he’s come back from injury there’s a new confidence,” he told Sky Sports.
“His overall game is what impresses me most. He’s still a young player, he’s going to improve.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp agreed, saying Haaland was “a phenomenon” and “an animal in front of goal”.
“He wants to destroy teams,” he added. “The guy is built completely differently.”
How the ‘phenomenon’ Haaland scored his four goals
Haaland’s first and third goals were penalties, coming either side of a thunderous header at the far post.
He had his hat-trick completed before the half-time whistle – his sixth in just his 63rd league appearance.
And he scored a deserved fourth in the 54th minute after racing towards goal, cutting inside with his left foot and sending a thunderous shot into the far corner.
The Norwegian now has 25 Premier League goals this season and is five ahead of Alexander Isak and Cole Palmer in the Golden Boot standings.
