Erling Haaland vs Liverpool: Man City Striker’s Record and Stats Ahead of Anfield Clash
Erling Haaland has become an increasingly dangerous opponent for Liverpool since joining Manchester City. After struggling to make a consistent impact in his first few meetings with the Reds, the Norwegian striker has found his scoring touch, netting five goals in his last three appearances against them.
Haaland has recorded seven goals and one assist in nine competitive matches against Liverpool for Manchester City, with an average Sofascore Rating of 7.26. His recent performances highlight how dramatically this fixture has changed for the prolific forward.
Erling Haaland’s Recent Record Against Liverpool
Haaland scored just twice in his first six meetings with Liverpool. However, his fortunes changed during his more recent appearances, as he scored in three consecutive victories against the Merseyside club.
His most impressive performance came in April’s 4–0 FA Cup victory, when he scored a hat-trick. The result underlined Manchester City’s attacking strength and highlighted Liverpool’s growing difficulties in containing the striker.
Although Liverpool have historically made life difficult for Haaland, his recent scoring record suggests that City’s forward has developed a more effective approach against one of their biggest rivals.
Haaland Returns From Norway Duty With Mixed Results
Haaland’s international performances for Norway offered a mixture of goals and frustration. He scored three goals in four Nations League appearances, demonstrating his finishing ability while also experiencing two consecutive matches without finding the net.
He started the international period strongly with a brace in Norway’s 3–2 victory over Denmark, earning a Sofascore Rating of 9.0. He scored again against Portugal in a 2–1 defeat at home, receiving an impressive rating of 8.1 despite the disappointing result.
However, Haaland failed to score against Wales and in the return meeting with Portugal. He received ratings of 6.5 and 6.3 in those matches, with Norway losing both encounters 2–1.
The international break demonstrated that Haaland remains a significant scoring threat, but he will be looking to rediscover his best form when Manchester City face Liverpool.
Liverpool Are Becoming One of Haaland’s Most Productive Opponents
Liverpool are among the opponents Haaland has faced most frequently since arriving at Manchester City. His nine appearances against the Reds put them level with Chelsea in the supplied comparison.
Only Arsenal, Manchester United, Bournemouth and Newcastle United have faced him more frequently. Among his six most familiar opponents, Manchester United have conceded goals at a higher rate, averaging 0.82 per appearance compared with Liverpool’s 0.78.
The comparison with Newcastle United is particularly notable. Haaland has scored just once in ten meetings against Newcastle, illustrating how his productivity varies depending on the opposition.
Liverpool remain a challenging opponent, but Haaland’s recent goals have made this fixture a more productive one for the Manchester City striker.
Haaland’s Shooting Accuracy and Creativity Against Liverpool
Haaland’s contribution against Liverpool extends beyond scoring goals. His statistics indicate that he has been particularly effective with his shooting accuracy, passing and aerial play.
He has registered 18 shots on target from 27 attempts against Liverpool, giving him a shooting accuracy of 66.7%. That figure compares with 52.3% against other opponents in the supplied statistical comparison.
His creativity also improves in this fixture. Haaland averages 1.50 key passes per 90 minutes against Liverpool, compared with 0.84 against other teams. His aerial success rate increases from 55.7% to 66.7%, while his passing accuracy rises from 70.6% to 76.0%.
These numbers suggest that Haaland can influence matches even when he is not scoring. His ability to win aerial duels, connect with teammates and create shooting opportunities makes him a threat in different attacking situations.
Liverpool Still Manage to Limit Haaland’s Chances
Despite his impressive record, Liverpool have found ways to restrict Haaland’s involvement. The striker averages 3.1 shots per 90 minutes against Liverpool, lower than his average of 4.1 against other opponents.
His scoring rate also falls from 0.98 goals per 90 minutes against other teams to 0.81 against Liverpool. He has completed just two of ten attempted dribbles in the fixture and has recorded a lower overall duel success rate.
Expected goals provide another perspective on his performances. Across six meetings with available xG data, Haaland scored three goals from 3.58 expected goals. This suggests that his finishing output was slightly below the quality of the chances he received in that sample.
However, the sample excludes the EFL Cup and FA Cup meetings, meaning it does not include his April hat-trick. The figures therefore offer only a partial view of his overall record.
Liverpool’s ability to limit his shooting opportunities remains important. Yet his recent performances show that even a small number of clear chances can be enough for him to change the outcome.
Haaland’s Anfield Performance Helped Manchester City Make History
One of Haaland’s most influential performances against Liverpool came in February’s 2–1 league victory at Anfield.
Manchester City were trailing after Dominik Szoboszlai scored from a free-kick. Haaland then provided the headed contribution that allowed Bernardo Silva to equalise in the 84th minute.
The Norwegian subsequently converted a stoppage-time penalty to complete City’s comeback and secure all three points.
The victory had historical significance, as Manchester City completed their first league double over Liverpool since the 1936/37 season. Haaland’s goal and assist made him central to a result that carried considerable importance in the Premier League title race.
His performance also demonstrated his ability to influence a major fixture through both finishing and creative contributions.
Haaland’s Liverpool Rivalry Began Before Manchester City
Haaland’s history against Liverpool started before his move to Manchester City. In October 2019, he came off the bench for Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg during a Champions League match at Anfield.
Liverpool had established a 3–0 lead, but Salzburg fought back to level the score at 3–3. Haaland scored during the comeback before Mohamed Salah eventually secured a dramatic 4–3 victory for Liverpool.
That appearance offered an early indication of the Norwegian’s attacking potential. Although his Manchester City statistics cover only his subsequent meetings with Liverpool, his connection with the club began during his emergence on the European stage.
Liverpool Were Haaland’s Opponents for a Premier League Milestone
Liverpool also featured in one of Haaland’s biggest individual Premier League milestones.
In November 2023, he scored Manchester City’s opening goal in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool. The strike was his 50th Premier League goal, achieved in just 48 appearances.
He reached the milestone 17 appearances faster than the previous record-holder, Andrew Cole, highlighting the extraordinary pace at which Haaland established himself in English football.
Liverpool recovered to earn a point that day, but subsequent meetings have produced increasingly productive results for the Manchester City striker.
Can Liverpool Stop Erling Haaland Again?
Haaland’s record against Liverpool reflects a fixture that has become increasingly favourable to the Norwegian forward. His seven goals and one assist in nine competitive appearances for Manchester City demonstrate his growing influence, while his recent scoring run has made him an even greater concern for Liverpool’s defence.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s ability to reduce his shot volume and limit his involvement shows that they remain capable of making the contest difficult.
The key question ahead of their next meeting is whether Liverpool can prevent Haaland from receiving dangerous opportunities or whether Manchester City’s prolific striker will continue his recent scoring run against the Reds.
With his finishing, aerial strength and growing creative contribution, Haaland remains one of the biggest threats Liverpool must prepare for.
