Erling Haaland is edging closer to a third Premier League Golden Boot award after overcoming Igor Thiago in a head-to-head battle on Saturday. With just three matches remaining, the Norwegian now leads by four goals after netting his 26th league strike in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Brentford.
The pivotal clash between Thiago and Haaland took place on May 9 at the Etihad Stadium, a game with huge implications for the title race, Champions League qualification, and the Golden Boot. Unfortunately for the visitors, Haaland and City proved too strong, while Thiago had a quiet evening, managing only one chance. Jeremy Doku broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Haaland bundled the ball home in the 75th minute. Substitute Omar Marmoush sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal, giving City a vital boost in their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal.
Haaland also found the net in the midweek 3-3 draw with Everton, a result that dented City’s hopes of a seventh title under Pep Guardiola. However, this win provides confidence heading into the final stretch. For Thiago, Brentford face Crystal Palace at home before a tough season finale at Anfield against Liverpool.
Despite likely missing out on the Golden Boot, Thiago’s remarkable season deserves recognition. The Brazilian is in contention for the 2026 World Cup squad, and competing with Haaland underscores his rapid rise. Just four years ago, Thiago was playing for Ludogorets’ second team in Bulgaria, with a market value of €450,000. Now, at €50 million, every Premier League fan knows his scoring exploits.
Eight of Thiago’s 22 league goals have come from penalties, while Haaland has 23 non-penalty goals this season. Thiago’s efforts have helped drive Brentford’s surprise push for European qualification. Haaland, however, has scored in his last two matches to build a two-goal cushion.
At the start of the season, the 24-year-old was barely on the radar as a top scorer contender. After a big-money move from Club Brugge in 2024, he failed to score in his first eight appearances, partly due to a serious knee injury. Now fully recovered and settled in London, Brentford are reaping the rewards. He already holds the record for most Premier League goals by a Brazilian, by a significant margin.
With a four-goal lead, Haaland appears poised to claim the award. The Norwegian, a two-time Golden Boot winner, remains wary of a potential comeback. Thiago’s confidence and ability to surprise mean it’s not over yet, but only a hat-trick in his next game would bring him back into serious contention.
