Arsenal, after twelve consecutive losses against Manchester City in the Premier League, have put that record to bed in a 1-0 win. The Citizens marque striker, Erling Haaland, yet again failed to make the scoresheet. On this note, an MLS legend urged the Norwegian starlet to elevate his gameplay by generating opportunities, drawing a comparison with Lionel Messi’s tactical abilities.
Haaland showcased his goal-scoring prowess at Manchester City after netting sixty goals in the previous season. However, the former Dortmund forward failed to live up to his established reputation against the top six. A soccer pundit highlighted the improvements needed in his playing style to secure victories in upcoming matches.
What did the MLS legend remark about Erling Haaland?
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Erling Haland’s effectiveness as a player relies on the contribution he receives from his teammates. The Norwegian international has converted chances with great proficiency. According to Alejandro Moreno, Haaland’s playing style falls short, and so he fails to have a significant impact on games.
The 23-year-old sensation is not widely recognized for dribbling ability or playmaking, like Harry Kane. Consequently, the Venezuelan icon demonstrated the distinction between Lionel Messi over the Citizens’ star. The world champion maintains exceptional individual brilliance, and Haaland is way behind in inheriting such game-playing qualities.
Moreno remarked in ESPN, “I mean I suppose that’s you can point to Erling Haaland in terms of being that his responsibility but in the end, he does depend on services. And if he doesn’t get on service, he is not Lionel Messi. He is not turning and dribbling a bunch of people that’s not his game.”
The Mancunian club lacks the threat and presence of Haaland in the attacking third, which was quite evident against Arsenal in the Premier League fixture. Manchester City struggled to make any impact against the Gunners in the entire match.
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Manchester City suffer second league defeat
The treble winners slipped down to third position after two consecutive Premier League defeats. Arsenal’s substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, scored a late winner to defeat Pep Guardiola’s men. The defensive inability to withstand the pressure in the closing minutes proved costly to City.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland failed to influence the game. The ex-Dortmund forward attempted a header in the first half, but the rival goalkeeper thwarted his opportunity. He also had a minimal presence in the penalty box during the second phase. Haaland marked his third consecutive game without finding the back of the net. The Sky Blues aim to implement a fresh strategy in their gameplay, ahead of their upcoming league fixtures against Brighton and Manchester United.
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