Manchester City F.C.
·5 December 2025
Quinn on record-breaker Haaland: Defenders can’t relax for a second!

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Yahoo sportsManchester City F.C.
·5 December 2025

Niall Quinn has hailed our talismanic striker Erling Haaland on the eve of the clash between his two former clubs City and Sunderland.
Much-loved Quinn scored 77 goals in 244 appearances for the Blues over the course of seven seasons after joining us from Arsenal as well as finding the net 61 times in 168 appearances for the Black Cats after arriving at the Stadium of Light as a club record signing at £1.3m.
Our former striker, a hugely respected figure in the game, has kept a close eye on the progress of our No.9 and has been wowed by what he’s seen.
Haaland this week hit the 100 Premier League goal mark - reaching his century faster than Alan Shearer.
Quinn thinks that alone sets him up a player of huge repute in the top-flight.
The Irishman also listed the attributes he thinks Haaland brings to the striker role – and the key quality needed when facing off against the giant Norwegian.
“Any player who takes a goalscoring record off Alan Shearer instantly becomes a legend,” Quinn said.
“What do you look for in a top striker? They might be a natural finisher, quick, crafty, strong. They might offer an aerial threat, like yours truly.
“If you’re very lucky they might bring one or two of those qualities. The thing about Erling is that he’s got absolutely everything in his locker.
“His finishing is lethal. He comes up with every type of goal. Left foot, right foot, headers. Defenders can’t relax for a split second when he’s around.
“Then you look at his hunger. He scores one, he wants two. He gets two, he wants a hat-trick - and he’s disappointed when he doesn’t get it.
City v Sunderland programme: Erling Haaland special focus in Saturday’s edition
“The other thing I’ve noticed is that if Haaland misses a chance he puts it behind him and starts thinking about the next one. That’s a mentality only the very best finishers have.”
We have an in-depth interview with Niall Quinn in Saturday’s matchday programme for the game between City and Sunderland.
You can pick up at the ground ahead of kick-off – or order it online.
Limited tickets remain for qualifying members for City’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 6 December.
Sitting second in the table, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal as we approach the halfway point of the campaign.
The newly promoted Black Cats will provide a stern test having enjoyed a fabulous return to the top-flight so far.
This is in fact the first Etihad meeting between the sides since Pep’s very first game in charge of City all the way back in 2016!
Get your seats now!









































