Erling Haaland once again showcased his world-class form as Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, with the Norwegian striker scoring twice to lift Pep Guardiola’s side to second place in the Premier League. His performance not only reaffirmed his clinical finishing but also highlighted his relentless commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.
Haaland struck twice in the first half, demonstrating his trademark composure and precision in front of goal before Nico O’Reilly added a third to seal the win at the Etihad Stadium. The result brought City to within six points of league leaders Arsenal and served as an ideal response to their recent away defeat.
Despite being substituted late in the match while on a hat-trick, Haaland maintained his characteristic humour after the game. When asked about being taken off, he jokingly quipped that Fantasy Premier League managers might need to “ask Pep about that,” drawing laughter from fans online.
However, it was what happened after the final whistle that truly caught the attention of supporters worldwide. Hours after the match, Haaland shared a glimpse of his post-game recovery routine on social media — a routine that reflected his discipline and determination to stay at the top of his game.
In the short clip, the 25-year-old was seen preparing for an ice bath in his garden, where the temperature read a chilling eight degrees. Holding his Player of the Match trophy, Haaland smiled at the camera and remarked, “For motivational purposes only,” before setting the award beside the tub. He then plunged into the icy water, gasping at the initial shock before finishing with a victorious fist pump — a testament to his mental toughness and unwavering focus.
The caption accompanying the video simply read: “For motivational purposes only #POTM,” a reminder of his commitment to constant improvement.
Following the game, Haaland emphasized the importance of bouncing back after a challenging week. “It’s good to respond like this,” he said. “I just try to help the team, whether that’s scoring goals or winning duels — that’s my job.”
Manchester City now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Borussia Dortmund, before a crucial Premier League showdown with Liverpool next weekend. Haaland’s form and fierce mentality continue to underline why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football.
