The Norwegian striker is setting the standard once again in front of goal, but he’s certainly not the only one lighting up the top-flight
The Premier League is back like it never went away, and so are Manchester City – who are already looking unstoppable in their pursuit of a record-breaking fourth consecutive title. That’s in no small part thanks to the continued brilliance of Erling Haaland, but the champions are purring in all areas of the pitch and several other players have made strong claims for the spotlight.
However, City won’t have everything their own way, with Arsenal, Liverpool and a rejuvenated Tottenham side all hot on their heels after some smart transfer business. Brighton also look capable of a push towards the top of the league under Roberto De Zerbi, who is rivaling Pep Guardiola for the most fluid, effective style of play in European football right now.
A number of summer signings have hit the ground running at their new clubs, while certain players have benefited from a managerial change or improved injury situation to rediscover their best form or reach an even higher level. And with Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea all enduring poor starts to the season, more than a few surprise contenders for Haaland’s throne have emerged.
There is a lot of pressure on Son Heung-min to deliver for Spurs this season. After Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich, the South Korean is now the main man in the team, which has been further underlined by Ange Postecoglou’s decision to hand him the captaincy.
By his own admission, Son had a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, too. However, the 31-year-old showed he still has plenty left in the tank with a stunning hat-trick away at Burnley at the start of September, after being shifted from the left flank to a No.9 role.
Whether or not Son continues to lead the line will have a huge bearing on his final season numbers, but whatever happens, he will be vital to Spurs’ chances of ending their silverware drought and getting back in the top-four.
At this point, we’ve run out of superlatives for Haaland. He made a mockery of Premier League defenses in his first year at City, and no one has figured out how to stop him yet.
The 23-year-old is up to seven goals after the first month of the new campaign, and there will be plenty more to come. Only a very brave person would bet against Haaland breaking his own record for the most goals scored in a single season at the first time of asking.
City can always rely on Haaland to be in the right place at the right time, which is why he’s the best striker of his generation. It feels unfair that the perennial English champions can call upon such a deadly weapon, but he’ll be around for a long time yet – and records will continue to tumble around him.