What’s Happening to Haaland? The Most Alarming Goal Drought of the Norwegian Striker

The return of Erling Haaland to his home country did little to change the narrative. The Manchester City striker once again failed to score in the UEFA Champions League clash against Bodø/Glimt, extending a run that is now drawing serious attention. Haaland has managed just one goal in his last eight matches across all competitions.

The context of the match did not help. Freezing temperatures, a small stadium, and artificial turf made for an uncomfortable night for City. While the team competed, their main attacking reference once again looked far from his most lethal version. The drought sharply contrasts with Haaland’s overall season numbers, but it clearly highlights a worrying dip in form. In his last eight appearances, he has scored only once—an unusually low return for a striker known for deciding matches with ruthless consistency.

The game also carried personal significance. Haaland returned to Norway to face a club from his home country, yet he was unable to find the net or break a streak that has persisted at a critical point in the season.

Physical fatigue appears to be one of the main explanations. Haaland has featured in 30 of the 32 matches available this season, carrying a heavy workload with relentless demands across all competitions. Pep Guardiola had already acknowledged days earlier that his striker was exhausted, but City’s sporting situation has not allowed for regular rotation.

The lack of clear attacking alternatives has forced the Norwegian to shoulder the scoring responsibility week after week, often as the only true reference in attack. That burden is now showing in his performances and in a visible lack of sharpness inside the box.

With a congested schedule and decisive fixtures looming in both the Premier League and the Champions League, Manchester City urgently needs to rediscover the best version of Erling Haaland. For now, the numbers are stark and concerning: eight consecutive matches and just one goal. Reversing the streak will be the challenge—exactly when the team needs him most.