Erling Haaland ‘hungrier than ever’ as Manchester City gear up to ‘hunt Arsenal’ after Leeds victory

Haaland became the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals with a double against Leeds, achieving the record in just 14 games.

Speaking after the game, his killer instinct mentality shone through as he insisted he should have found the net on more than two occasions.

“Yeah, yeah [on opportunities he missed], I just said it inside, I could have scored five, that’s the truth,” he told Amazon Prime Video.

“But we win, that’s the most important thing, you see Arsenal at the top now, we have to hunt them so I’m really happy [with the win], but me as a striker, I could have scored a couple more but that’s life, what can I do? I have to practice.”

The win closes the gap between Manchester City and Arsenal to five points, as Pep Guardiola’s side overtook Newcastle United to regain second place.

Asked whether missing out on the World Cup spurred him on, Haaland said he’s “hungrier than ever” to return to club football and seek his first Premier League title.

“I recharged my batteries and to see other people score to win games in the World Cup kind of triggers me, motivates me, and irritates me as I just said.

“I’m more hungry and I’m more ready than ever.”

Guardiola also spoke to the panel after the match, and despite struggling to get the better of Leeds in the first half, was adamant City had a better first 45 minutes than second period.

“It was more difficult the second half than the first, that is my point of view,” he said. “I thought the first half was exceptional.

“We didn’t concede one shot, in this stadium against that team, like is able to play really good against top sides like Arsenal or Liverpool, so big compliment for the guys after World Cup, first Premier League game [back].”

Guardiola also praised “humble” striker Haaland.

“We’re delighted for the fact how humble he is, with the big reputation he has,” he said.

“Exceptional guy, work ethic, a great threat for the opponents having him there.”

City next face Everton on December 31.