Erling Haaland's Seasonal Performance and Statistics

After an extraordinary debut season in England, where Erling Haaland shattered the previous Premier League single-season goal record with 36 goals in 35 appearances, it was expected that there would be a statistical regression in his performance. Let’s delve into the detailed comparison of Haaland’s performance and statistics, not just in terms of goals, for the 2023/24 season compared to the previous one.

In the previous season, Haaland managed to score 52 goals despite an Expected Goals (xG) figure of only 41.1 across all competitions, indicating a remarkable overperformance of 8.9 goals.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

However, such significant overperformances are typically unsustainable, as evidenced by Haaland’s current season figures, which show a slight underperformance in comparison. Despite playing about five games (477 minutes) less than the treble-winning season of 2022/23, Haaland’s xG overperformance has dropped. He has scored 1.3 goals less than expected this season, although still impressive with a total of 38 goals against 39.3 xG. His chance conversion rate has also regressed to a more standard 26%.

Interestingly, Haaland has increased his expected goals value per 90 minutes, attributed to a slight rise in shots per 90 from 4.0 to 4.4. However, this has come at the cost of a 25% decrease in assists per 90.

Despite these changes, Haaland appears to have adapted even better to the Guardiola system, evident in improved passing accuracy and increased forced turnovers in the attacking third, despite fewer game-time.

Haaland’s involvement in duels has slightly decreased this season, and he averages only 24 touches per 90 minutes, putting him in the first percentile among forwards in the top five European leagues over the past 15 years.

Looking specifically at the Premier League, Haaland has become slightly more direct, directing 48.4% of his total carry distance towards the opposing goal, a 10% increase from the previous season.

Although defenders may have adjusted to Haaland’s playing style this season, he continues to display confidence on the ball. Despite fewer total carries, he has produced more shots, goals, and shooting opportunities following runs of at least five meters with the ball.

Overall, Haaland’s heat maps suggest a more central positioning nearer to the opponent’s goal this season compared to the previous one. Despite a marginal decrease in goal figures, his confidence remains high, as evident from his consistent scoring record, contributing significantly to Manchester City’s success in securing a record fourth consecutive league title.