Garth Crooks has written on BBC Sport that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal or Graham Potter’s Chelsea could win the Premier League title this season but only if Manchester City striker Erling Haaland gets injured.
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward has said that the only way that Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool could beat defending Premier League champions Manchester City to the title this season is if Haaland suffers a long-term injury.
Crooks made the comments about the Norway international striker while including him in his BBC Premier League Team of the Week.
The 22-year-old striker scored a hat-trick in the Manchester derby against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Haaland, who is £400,000 per week as salary at City (The Telegraph), also gave two assists in the Premier League game.
The former Borussia Dortmund has already scored 14 goals in the Premier League so far this season.
City are now second in the league table with 20 points from eight matches, a point behind leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea are fifth with 13 points from seven matches, while Liverpool are ninth with 10 points from seven games.
Verdict on Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea title chances
Crooks wrote: “To score one hat-trick in a season is quite special but to do so in three consecutive home matches in the Premier League is simply unheard of.
“Haaland is playing for a team that create chances as easily as breathing. Is it any wonder the Norwegian superstar put Manchester United to the sword and is scoring goals all day long.
“The big question is what happens to City should they lose Haaland through injury. They’ve already dispensed with the services of Gabriel Jesus.
“Right now this is the only hope for Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. If Haaland remains fit we might as well all pack our bags and go home.”
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