´He is on fire´ – Mahrez and Guardiola hail Haaland as Man City striker delivers yet again

Riyad Mahrez declared Erling Haaland is “on fire” and Pep Guardiola labelled the new Manchester City talisman “an incredible weapon” after the striker scored once more against Southampton.

Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden and Mahrez all struck past former City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu on Saturday, before Haaland coolly converted in the 65th minute to cap a 4-0 victory.

That marked his 15th Premier League goal in just nine games this season, as many strikes as Kevin De Bruyne managed in the entire last campaign when he finished as City’s top league scorer in a championship-winning team.

Mahrez hailed his Norwegian team-mate after Haaland became just the second City player to score in seven successive Premier League appearances, after Sergio Aguero.

“It was a difficult game, we made it easy by scoring early and then we controlled,” the Algeria international told BBC Sport.

“We had a lot of chances to score more, but we didn’t. We didn’t concede much, it was a controlled game.

“Haaland is part of our team, he is our striker. Like any other striker, if we can find him it’s perfect because he is on fire. If not, there are a lot of players and everyone can make a difference.”

City have now won their last nine home league games, scoring at least three goals each time, and moved to the top-flight summit by overtaking Arsenal, who play Liverpool on Sunday.

Manager Guardiola echoed the sentiments of Mahrez as he credited the exploits of free-scoring Haaland, while he pinpointed the early stages of the title race as significant heading towards the World Cup break in November.

“Last season we suffered a lot against them, but today we were much better,” Guardiola told BBC Sport, referring to two league draws last term against Southampton.

“Some players were not at their best, but we create a lot of chances. We were solid.

“For a long time Phil Foden is playing really good. The impact from him is great. Erling Haaland had the chances again. He scored a brilliant goal. It’s an incredible weapon for us, a big threat.

“We will see the result from Arsenal and Liverpool, always in Premier League there are good games. Being close to the top of the league is important going into the World Cup.”

A good day at the office!

4-0 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/zc5CCgJ7Ja

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 8, 2022

By contrast, Southampton have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 19 Premier League away games – the longest current league run and the worst such streak in Saints’ history in the competition.

Southampton sit just a point above the relegation zone, leading to increasing speculation that Ralph Hasenhuttl will be dismissed.

“I will not be here next week, because next week we play at home,” manager Hasenhuttl said when asked about his future. “It is not my decision to make.

“Since I’ve come here, and it’s been nearly four years now, we have been fighting for results. The problem is not here today, it’s from other weeks where we did not get enough points.”