It was a no-show for Erling Haaland against Arsenal in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
The 23-year-old attacking sensation was bottled by Arsenal’s resolute defence marshaled by the prolific defensive duo – William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Manchester United legend and Premier League pundit Roy Keane did not spare the hints as he dropped an honest but scathing assessment of Haaland in the game against Arsenal.
Speaking on punditry duties with Sky Sports, Roy Keane said Haaland’s general play against Arsenal was below par. He compared his performance to that of League Two player, adding the Norwegian has to improve his game.
“His general play for such a player is so poor, not just today, I think he has to improve that he’s almost like a League Two player,” Keane said.
“That’s the way I look at him his general play has to improve and it will do over the next few years,” he added.
Erling Haaland’s stats in 0-0 draw with Arsenal
Erling Haaland had a nightmare afternoon against the Gunners at Etihad as City settled for a barren draw against the Mikel Arteta-led side.
While Haaland’s struggles in the game constituted a part of City’s underwhelming performance, the former Borussia Dortmund forward was particularly ineffective in the general play.
He failed to contribute to City’s build-up play and failed to lay a glove on Arsenal’s defence.
Overall, Haaland managed just 23 touches of the ball and recorded no shot on target throughout the game.
Manchester City wielded 72% of the ball possession, enough to put the Gunners to the sword and have Haaland recreate his magical attacking prowess but he was well-bottled in the Gunners’ final third.
It was not the first time the Norwegian sensation had been nibbed in the bud each time he came against Arsenal.
Statistics show Haaland has failed to record a goal or assist in all his three matches against Arsenal since he arrived in the Premier League.
Generally, Arteta’s tactical masterclass in the Arsenal defence has seen the Gunners restrict Manchester City to just two shots on target in their two Premier League meetings this season, as per Sqawka.
While Haaland endured a difficult 90 minutes against the Gunners, Arsenal defensive duo- William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes – were top of their game. Statistics show the pair have been at the heart of Arsenal’s strong showing against Manchester City.
Over the two-legged Premier League ties this season, they have won possession 20 times, won 16 duels, made 11 clearances and 7 tackles, made 4 crucial interceptions, and kept 2 clean sheets.
Arsenal and Manchester City are still strongly in the race for the Premier League title this season. Liverpool were huge beneficiaries of the barren draw at Etihad as they opened a crucial two-point gap on top of the table in the three-horse race.
Arsenal and Manchester City will have a chance to temporarily go top of the table on Wednesday when they take on Luton Town and Aston Villa, respectively before Liverpool host Sheffield United on Thursday.
