Haaland admits scoring return has fallen below his own standards

• Erling Haaland said his recent goal return falls below his own standards and said improvement is required.
• The Manchester City striker has scored twice from penalties in his last eight league appearances.
• City’s win at Liverpool kept them within reach of Arsenal at the top of the table.

Erling Haaland said he must raise his level after a run of Premier League matches that has brought only two goals, both from penalties.

The Manchester City striker sealed a 2-1 win at Liverpool with a stoppage time spot kick at Anfield. He also set up Bernardo Silva for the equaliser in the 84th minute.

Haaland has not scored from open play in the league after a 2-0 win against West Ham on 20 December. The Norway forward still leads the Golden Boot standings with 21 goals.

“I have not scored enough goals this year and I know I have to improve,” Haaland said. “I need to be sharper and better in these moments and that is something I have to work on.”

He said personal responsibility mattered more than external factors.

“I have to keep going and give what people expect,” he said. “I do not want to talk about reasons. I do not think there is an excuse. A lot of fatigue is in the head.”

Haaland pointed to the volume of matches while stressing the need to stay available.

“There are many games and the schedule is not easy,” he said. “For me it is about staying fit and avoiding injury. That is the main thing. I have to be ready to help the team.”

City’s victory at Anfield completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 1936 37 season. The result cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to six points.

City host Fulham on Wednesday with the chance to move closer to the leaders. Arsenal are due at the Etihad on 18 April.

Haaland said belief within the squad remains intact.

“We have seen before that the title race is not finished until the end,” he said. “Now I need to recover, eat properly and focus on Fulham. There are many games left.”