Erling Haaland hits back at ‘tap-in merchant’ jibes and ‘stay humble’ row with Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has hit back at those who claim he is merely a ‘tap-in merchant’, owing to the number of goals scored in more simple circumstances.

The 25-year-old has largely been at the centre of praise since his arrival in English football, while some have remarkably downplayed his prolific output by suggesting his goals are often too routine or opportunistic.

However, Erling Haaland himself has now addressed those comments directly, and with a clear sense of pride, during a year in which he dominated headlines through a long-term commitment to Manchester City via a contract extension until 2034.

That renewal largely silenced speculation over a release clause and ended any short-term hopes from admirers like Real Madrid, with Haaland speaking passionately about his connection to City, Pep Guardiola’s influence, and the winning culture being built at the Etihad Stadium at the time.

Now, speaking exclusively to TIME magazine, Erling Haaland quizzed those who claim he is merely a ‘tap-in merchant’ by asking the rhetorical question of what is the most difficult thing to do across football.

“What’s the most difficult thing in football? If you’re a tap-in merchant, that means you’re scoring a lot of goals, no? There you kind of have the answer,” Haaland hit back. He added. “I like it if people call me a tap-in merchant. I love it. That means you’re doing something right. That a lot of other people can’t.”

Last season also brought about chaos from the Norway international, after a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium against Arsenal earlier in the campaign ended with Haaland issuing the words ‘stay humble’ to Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta.

“I think it’s an important phrase, which a lot of people should use, including myself. It’s one of the most important things, as individuals, to do,” the 25-year-old said. On the so-called ‘revenge’ issued by the North London side in the reverse fixture, Haaland added, “They [Arsenal] won the game [against City in February 2025] 5-1. So yeah, they got me.”

“If he wanted to use that moment to mock me, that’s fair enough for him. Whatever he wants to do, he can do,” he continued, when the subject of Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly bringing out Haaland’s iconic meditation pose celebration was raised.

Haaland’s words reflect a player both unfazed by external criticism and grounded in self-awareness. His comments about the ‘tap-in’ label serve as a reminder that positional intelligence, anticipation, and ruthless finishing are undervalued qualities by casual observers.

As for the Arsenal incident, the episode further illustrates the competitive edge and emotional intensity that defines Haaland’s character. While he embraced the chance to fire back at Arteta earlier in the season, the Norwegian showed humility in acknowledging Arsenal’s response, and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mocking celebration.

Looking forward, Erling Haaland will return to action with Manchester City in August as they prepare for another title challenge and a refreshed attacking structure, and the striker is sure to remain one of the sport’s most talked-about figures, largely for his goals.