Erling Haaland apologised to Moldova goalkeeper for five-goal haul during 11-1 Norway win | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland apologised for the rate at which he was putting goals beyond Moldova’s goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

The 25-year-old enjoyed one of the most remarkable international displays of his continually rising career, registering five goals and two assists in Norway’s 11-1 thrashing of Moldova on Tuesday night.

That performance arrived at the perfect time for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Manchester United next on the schedule for Manchester City in the Premier League following the September international break.

Haaland’s form for club and country has been under the spotlight after a testing start to the new campaign for Manchester City, and his dominance in Oslo provided welcome reassurance to supporters.

Not only did the striker secure his second international hat-trick inside 32 minutes, but he also capped the game with further strikes in the 52nd and 83rd minutes, whilst also setting up two of Norway’s other efforts in a devastating attacking masterclass.

The result left Norway top of Group I in World Cup qualifying, boasting five wins from five matches, 24 goals scored, and just three conceded. Haaland’s showing even earned him a perfect 10.0 rating from FotMob – only the fifth such score in the app’s history.

Speaking post-match after a heavy defeat at the hands of Norway, Moldova goalkeeper Cristian Avram revealed that Manchester City’s Erling Haaland was at times apologising for his side’s continued to intent to add to their scoring.

“He said it wasn’t my fault,” Avram revealed to reporters, referring to interactions with Haaland after the game.

The shot-stopper continued, “He was apologising to me for rushing after every goal. He said they had to keep going because of the goal difference,” as per MailSport.

That gesture only adds to Haaland’s reputation not just as one of football’s most ruthless finishers, but also as a player aware of the situation unfolding around him on the pitch.

For Norway, goal difference could prove decisive in their qualification campaign, and Erling Haaland’s explanation highlights why the team were so relentless despite already being comfortably ahead.

For Manchester City, Pep Guardiola will be encouraged by the sharpness and confidence on display from his star forward, particularly with the derby against Manchester United looming at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Haaland’s scoring return last season was often the difference in the biggest fixtures, and after a summer disrupted by injuries elsewhere in the squad, Manchester City supporters will take comfort in the striker hitting form at the right time.