Enjoying ‘Peace’ Away From Training, Erling Haaland Sets Out on a Mission Amid Manchester City’s Premier League Title Charge

The Premier League title race continues to intensify with just two weeks remaining in the 2023-24 season. There is no room for mistakes as Manchester City, trailing just behind Arsenal by a single point, keep up with their title spree. Leading their charge is none other than their star striker, Erling Haaland, who looks to be on a similar quest to achieve greatness as he sends a three-word title warning, while simultaneously embracing serenity by missing training.

Following his four-goal heroics during City’s 5-1 triumph against Wolves on Saturday, the Norwegian superstar posted a carousel of clicks from the game on Instagram and wrote a caption saying, “On a mission! 🫡🫡🫡🫡.” This message clearly suggests that the striker is focused on helping his side in their pursuit of the Premier League title and also maintaining his goal-scoring prowess in the final three league games for the Sky Blues. While it further implies that Haaland would certainly be putting in extra work during training, his recent social media activity tells a different story!

Ironically, just hours after sending such a powerful warning, the 23-year-old shared a story of a beach where the sun is slowly setting. Additionally, he wrote a succinct caption “Peace,” suggesting that he is rather enjoying his time off. An interesting approach from Haaland in his quest to alleviate the pressure on his side for the title. But considering his recent performance in the last game, City doesn’t have to worry much about their star player.

Not only did Haaland deny Wolves from maintaining their record, but with his 21st hat-trick, he also outshone both undisputed GOATs, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While fans would be hoping that the youngster continues his scoring spree, there’s actually a way he can further improve.

Here’s how Pep Guardiola can maximize goal-scoring potential of Erling Haaland

During the ESPN FC show, Ale Moreno brought up an interesting point regarding Pep Guardiola’s use of Erling Haaland. Moreno emphasized the importance of distinguishing between playing through the center forward and playing him in behind the defense. He believes that Manchester City isn’t effectively pushing the opposition’s defensive line, which is affecting Haaland’s impact in games. The solution? Moreno urged Cityzens to provide through balls for their goal poacher to chase, engaging him in 50-50 challenges where he excels. 

However, this strategy hasn’t been employed by Guardiola’s side at all. The pundit further explained that Haaland often makes runs without receiving the ball, leading him to stop making those runs altogether. “Feed the beast, man. Put the ball in behind,” said Moreno who believes that this would help the Norwegian international to capitalize on his strengths and create scoring chances. Furthermore, not only would this approach perfectly align with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, but it would also help Haaland to keep up with his ‘mission.’