When Erling Haaland entered the Premier League scene in 2022, the light bulb set up a furious scoring pace in the City shirt. It became so extreme with scorrimger that the English media used the goal drought label when the striker left the field for the second, or third game without scoring. In other words, the expectations were enormous. Since the fantastic debut season, there have been buckets and buckets of goals, but also periods where the world’s best striker has faced criticism. Roy Keane compared Haaland’s technique to the fourth division level, while other “experts” have criticized Haaland for a lack of work for the team. On Saturday, the 25-year-old walked off the Premier League arena without a goal, but with tribute.
Pep Guardiola has always defended Haaland, promising the critics of the Norwegian that they don’t understand what a job Haaland is doing – even without scoring. Against Newcastle at the Etihad, Manchester City won 2-1 without Haaland on the scoresheet. After the game, City player Marc Guehi said that Haaland still received his tribute in the dressing room.
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“The manager (Guardiola) actually gave a little speech in the dressing room about how fantastic he (Haaland) was today. His work ethic is incredible – he fought for every ball against Dan Burn. It’s not easy, because Dan is so strong and good in the main event. He’s a turning point for us at the front of the pitch and I’m happy that he did so well,” Guehi told TNT Sports.
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