Paul Robinson believes Manchester City aren’t as efficient when Erling Haaland is in the starting eleven and told Football Insider that they’re ‘struggling’ in games of late – similar criticism that Dietmar Hamann made.
Robinson says the 22-year-old was ‘nullified’ in City’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur and claims the Sky Blues don’t know how to score without him. He said: “It looks like they’re struggling to score when Haaland’s in the team. Haaland was nullified (against United) and largely quiet (against Tottenham).”
It’s worth noting that City have scored the same amount of goals after 19 games (50) as they did last season, but they’re averaging less shots per game (16.9) and one of their players has considerably more chances (3.9 per game) than others.
Haaland has 22 goals from 70 shots this campaign – 6.5 more goals than his expected goals tally too – so City are relying on his magic to get results. He’s having a quarter of City’s chances in a game and has scored nearly half their goals, so it’s little wonder every defeat has come in a match he didn’t score in.
Guardiola’s men aren’t pulling their weight and Robinson is right to be critical. Hamann felt the same way. City didn’t have just one individual who could score in every game last season. They had others to pick up the slack – eight players scored seven or more league goals in 2021/22. So Pep needs more goals from the supporting cast.
‘Pep wasn’t happy’ – Jamie Carragher critical of Man City defender’s recent form
Kyle Walker was a late substitute in Manchester City’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, coming off the bench in the dying minutes of normal time after being dropped for Rico Lewis.
The 32-year-old started City’s last two Premier League games, playing 45 minutes in the 1-0 win over Chelsea and 90 minutes in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, but he was subbed off at halftime against Chelsea and wasn’t great against United.
Pep Guardiola took him out of the firing line for the Tottenham clash and Jamie Carragher doesn’t think it was an accident. He said on Sky Sports: “I don’t think Pep was happy with Kyle Walker at Old Trafford. (Lewis is) playing ahead of England’s right-back – taking the place of a seasoned international who has won almost every trophy you can win.”
Walker has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, amassing 930 minutes of playing time. He’s struggled for form, fitness and playing time, resulting in Lewis taking his place on merit. The 18-year-old has featured in four of City’s last five league games, starting three of them, so he’s becoming an important player.
The Sky Blues lock horns with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and Guardiola is likely to stick with Lewis at right-back after his performance against Tottenham. Walker may have to be patient for an opportunity.
Source: manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk
