Since the arrival of Erling Haaland to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, many have questioned his ability to turn up in big matches.
Haaland has apparently been silenced in notable matches, with him also being infamously tagged for missing glorious chances in big games.
Erling Haaland was recently kept quiet at the Santiago Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s quarter-final 3-3 draw with Manchester City on April 9, 2024.
The Cityzens had to rely on the brilliance of players like Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Josko Gvardiol to produce the goods, with their Norwegian arrowhead marked out and pocketed.
Erling Haaland in big matches for Manchester City
Haaland’s seeming weakness to deliver in big games has also been witnessed in the Premier League, failing to score against sides like Arsenal over two legs, Liverpool (2nd leg), Chelsea (2nd leg), and Tottenham Hotspur (1st leg), with the second leg against Spurs still to be played.
Erling Haaland is one of the most lethal attackers in football, with his ability to put the ball in the back of the net virtually second to none.
Manchester City forked out €60 million to acquire the 23-year-old from Borussia Dortmund on July 1, 2022, and he has been magnificent thus far.
His first season after joining the club was a blast, as he broke many records, and led the Citizens to a coveted treble – Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
Haaland scored 52 goals and provided 9 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.
Erling Haaland’s brilliance was recognized by FIFA and the Ballon d’Or, as he was nominated for both individual honors, only losing both awards to Lionel Messi, finishing 2nd on both occasions.
Erling Haaland footballing traits
The Norway international is known for his athleticism, power, speed, strength, positioning, and sublime finishing.
His inability to deliver in big games has been linked to a deficiency in his game, with some enthusiasts of the sport pointing towards his poor link-up play as a major issue.
Additionally, Haaland’s finishing has been suspect in certain games this season, with one notable example being evident during Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Manchester United on March 3, 2024.
Erling Haaland fluffed his lines on many occasions in the opening 45, although he atoned for his errors in the second period, scoring the killer goal to seal the day for the Cityzens.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old has netted 30 goals and provided 6 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.
He is still in the developing phase of his career, and despite the brilliance he accentuates in the attacking department, there is definitely much room for improvement for Haaland.
Erling Haaland will return to action on April 13, 2024, hoping to pump in crucial goals for Manchester City against Luton Town, a crunch encounter in the race for the Premier League title.
