Erling Haaland verdict reached after Man City star sent home early by Norway

Joleon Lescott believes a rampant Erling Haaland could propel Manchester City towards Premier League title glory. The Norwegian sensation will be refreshed for City's encounter with Everton on Saturday after departing international duty ahead of schedule.

The 25-year-old has been in his customary devastating form to kick off this campaign, bagging nine league strikes in merely seven outings and contributing three additional efforts in the Champions League. He also shone for his nation by claiming a hat-trick in their emphatic 5-0 triumph over Israel last Saturday. Worries emerged when the frontman was sent home from international service prematurely, but the explanation for this was attributed to a "particularly congested fixture list." The striker will be revitalised and primed for battle when City meet Everton on Saturday, and Lescott reckons Haaland could guide his former club to the crown.

"There's not a finish that he hasn't got," declared Lescott, discussing Haaland on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. "That goal against Brentford, which he said was his favourite, proper goal that.

"One hundred per cent [he'll keep them in the title race]. Yeah [he's a phenomenon]. Statistically, this season was his worst start to a Premier League season. Outrageous that isn't it?"

Pep Guardiola's City currently sit three points behind league leaders Arsenal after seven games played, just outside of the top four spots. Thanks to his remarkable goal haul, Haaland was handed the Premier League's Player of the Month award for September and he has maintained his scoring streak into this month as well.

He'll be hoping to inspire City when they welcome Everton on Saturday and the visitors will be without star Jack Grealish as the Englishman is presently on loan from the Manchester club.

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"September was an important month for us as a team. We played some really good football, stayed unbeaten, and got important wins for our fans," said Haaland last month.

"I'm happy I could help the team with goals and performances. Now we just keep going - keep working hard every day. Because there's a tough schedule. Hopefully we can keep the same level and win even more games."

Haaland's boss was also swift to lavish praise on the star striker in September, and likened him to some of football's greatest ever marksmen. Guardiola said: "He's at the level of [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy or [Robert] Lewandowski, but especially of two monsters like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Erling is right there. In terms of goals, he's incredible."

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