Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted that he has not been surprised by Erling Haaland's spectacular start to life with Manchester City since his summer transfer.
Pep Guardiola's men welcome the Saints to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with the reigning champions having recorded 20 points from their opening eight Premier League matches. The Blues have also been in rampant form in the Champions League and have won their opening three matches in Europe.
Haaland has been in scintillating form since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund. The Norwegian striker has registered 19 goals and three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions, including 12 goals in his last five matches at the Etihad.
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The 22-year-old's remarkable start to the season has come as a surprise to some. But Southampton boss Hasenhuttl claimed that he was not shocked by how quickly he has settled at City given his impressive goal record for clubs like Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg.
"It's not that surprising that a good player coming in a good team can be a successful goalscorer," the Saints manager told reporters on Thursday.
"This is not that surprising for me. He's scored goals in every club he has played so far and this is by far the best club he has played in so there was not one reason why he shouldn't do it in this club.
"He's an exceptional player and playing in an exceptional team and it’s what everybody sees now and it’s fantastic for the Premier League players like him are coming to us."
Despite the previous two matches between the Saints and City both ending in draws, Hasenhuttl was quick to insist that Guardiola's side are a stronger outfit this term thanks to the addition of Haaland, but suggested that his players cannot afford to solely focus on the striker.
He added: "I think there are more players that you have to concentrate on. If you're looking only at Erling Haaland I think we will not win this game.
"I think we have shown in the past against a strong side that we are competitive. This year they are even stronger and it's a good challenge to show us again if we’re able to get something there."
City currently find themselves one point behind league-leaders Arsenal, with the Gunners taking on Liverpool on Sunday afternoon
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