I came, I saw and I scored. Arling Holland’s relationship with football is like that. This time, Holland opened the goal book for Manchester City in the first match of the season. It was his 100th appearance for City. And his goals in 100 matches are 91. These goal statistics are unbelievable.
After such a performance, Holland received great praise from coach Pep Guardiola at the end of the match. Guardiola even drew examples of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when talking about this Norwegian striker.
The first goal came from Holland in yesterday’s 2-0 win against Chelsea. He scored the goal in the 18th minute of the match by showing great skill. Guardiola said about him after the match, ‘These are the numbers of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They have controlled everything for the last one-and-a-half decades. In terms of numbers, it is at such a level.’
Holland has been scoring goals since joining Man City in 2022. He broke several records in the first season. He was the league’s top scorer last season as well. “I don’t know how he does it,” Guardiola said of his goal appetite. But to score 91 goals in 100 games in the Premier League and in this country is incredible.’
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also expressed surprise at Holland’s ability to score goals. He said, ‘Scoring goals is like addiction for him. You will see it in him. But he wants to be more than a goalscorer. 91 goals is incredible. Players like him are very rare.’
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp has pointed out that Holland will be a role model for the next generation. Bringing up the issue of strikers regaining their status, he said, ‘If any child sees him playing, they will want to be a striker. Many coaches will want a number nine in the team after seeing the success of Manchester City.’
Holland, however, is keeping his feet on the ground despite all the accolades. About his role in the team, he said, ‘I want to help the team. I want to be more involved in team sports. That’s what Pep (Guardiola) wants.’
