With his lone goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Brentford on Tuesday, Erling Haaland dispelled any doubts about his ability to score goals.
The result has moved Manchester City into second position in the Premier League, one point behind champions Liverpool.
With one game remaining in a title fight that appears certain to go down to the wire, Pep Guardiola’s team, who has gone undefeated in their past ten league games and even in games against title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, leads Arsenal by one point with 56 points.
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In 14th place, Brentford is five points clear of the relegation zone.
Haaland, who three days before had angrily shoved a camera after missing nine opportunities to score in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, was back to his best, bringing his league total to 17 goals.
In the 71st minute, the Norwegian broke the deadlock by sprinting onto a gorgeous through ball from Julian Alvarez, beating goalie Mark Flekken and stroking it past a sliding Kristoffer Ajer.
Haaland has now scored in his matches with every Premier League team. He hasn’t played for Luton Town yet.
Haaland’s detractors received a warning from Guardiola, who also mentioned that the Norwegian had just gone through a trying time in his personal life.
Late in the game, Haaland, who had only scored twice in his previous seven games, had another effort disallowed due to Kyle Walker’s offside during the buildup.
Apart from Haaland’s goal, Chelsea again severely frustrated City on Saturday. City had 25 shots, 11 of which were on goal, compared to Brentford’s two, and Flekken gave a superb effort.
One of City’s better opportunities came from Oscar Bobb, who was making his Premier League debut.
He skillfully avoided Christian Norgaard before launching a shot that defender Ben Mee raced out to narrowly clear off the line.
Frank Onyeka stole a pass from Yoane Wissa and fired straight at City’s custodian Ederson, giving Brentford a fantastic early opportunity that they let slip.