Zero goals, zero assists, zero shots, zero dribbles completed, zero chances created, zero interceptions… and 19 passes. They could be the numbers of a vulgar ‘9’. Even from a defender. As incredible as it may seem, these are Erling Haaland’s statistics in Manchester City’s last three games. All three, by the way, ended in defeat: Juventus (2-0), United (1-2) and Aston Villa (2-1).
Juventus 2-0 Manchester City: summary and goals | Champions League (J6)
Hence, after falling in Villa Park, he made self-criticism. “I didn’t do things well. I didn’t have a chance, so I have to do better. I must look in the mirror. A lot of it is my fault, I wasn’t good enough. Obviously, our confidence is not at its best, but we have to continue and stay positive, even if it is difficult,” the Norwegian forward assured ‘TNT Sports’.
I must look in the mirror. A lot of it is my fault, I wasn’t good enough.
Erling Haaland
City’s crisis – they have accumulated nine defeats and two draws in the last 12 games – is explained, in large part, by Haaland’s poor numbers, while the ‘slump’ of the Premier’s ‘record holder’ – he scored 36 goals in the 2022-23—has a lot to do with the absences of Rodri and De Bruyne.
Figures that contrast with his spectacular start to the season: he scored 10 goals in the first five Premier games. Since then, he has only had three in 12 games. In fact, Mohamed Salah has unseated him as top scorer in the English League: 15 vs. 13.
Pep’s defense
City’s ‘9’ has one less goal than last season at this point… and seven less! than in 2022-23.
Even so, Haaland’s thesis does not convince everyone. Guardiola disagrees: “I don’t agree. Without it we would be even worse. I like that players do self-criticism. It’s the only way to improve. Erling is trying in every way possible, but we are not serving him proper balls. We have to give him better balls.”
I like players to be self-critical, but I don’t agree with Haaland. Without it we would be even worse.
Erling Haaland
The ‘Expected Goals (xG)’ metric, however, says that Haaland should have scored two more goals (20) than he has (18) across all competitions. What I said: it is below zero.
