‘They can win this league by 15-20 points’ – Gary Neville explains how Erling Haaland changed his opinion about Man City

Gary Neville reckons Manchester City will coast to another Premier League title by 15 or 20 points on the proviso Norway sensation Erling Haaland stays injury-free.

Pep Guardiola’s side are obliterating opponents this season. Apart from a few missteps, City and Erling Haaland are racking up the goals with ease.

Haaland has three hattricks in eight games. He’s scoring goals without being heavily involved in build-up play, giving Manchester City a true lead-the-line striker. It’s the one thing they’ve been missing since Sergio Aguero’s prime years.

But Haaland isn’t just taking the Premier League by storm. He’s not just living up to expectations. He’s elevating the expectations of an elite striker. Just calling him a superstar is no longer enough to describe his performances. Haaland has surpassed his peers this season.

The Norwegian striker took his jaw-dropping tally to 17 goals from 11 appearances with yet another hat-trick in the Manchester derby. The 22-year-old also provided two assists against Manchester United as City extended their unbeaten start in the quest to win a fifth English crown in six seasons.

Speaking on Monday Night Football for Sky Sports, pundit Neville said: “I want to try and be respectful, here. City have been an incredible team now for four or five years under Pep Guardiola.

“I prefer Liverpool’s style; the fast, electric style, counter-attacking, pressing and the aggression. Sometimes when you go and watch City it can be quite repetitive, but it’s unbelievable how Pep Guardiola gets them to play.

“But this season when I watch them, it’s different. They have got an explosion on the pitch.

“So, you’re not just watching the rhythm of the team with all those players playing those passes that they do. You appreciate it and they have beaten teams…

“City have been unbelievable, don’t get me wrong, but what I watched [against Manchester United] was like wow and it’s an absolute different level. There are very few players that you say you must go and see live.

“That’s how it feels when you go and watch City play and Haaland play. I want them to lose every single game and certainly wanted them to lose [against Manchester United].

“It feels so definite and Pep Guardiola must feel so revitalised. If they can keep him fit then, honestly, they can win this league by 15-20 points. They easily could do that.”