9 | Erling Haaland - 2022/23 Performances

[skillman]

Crying out for Merlin - he’d have been zoned in on Haaland every time he got the ball.

It’s shite watching midfielders actively ignore a striker making runs. It should be their wet fucking dream but they seem to prefer the easy option instead. No bravery on the ball whatsoever unless it’s KDB. Infuriating to watch.

Got the most dynamic, exciting striker in world football sat up front like a cheerleader because the manager seems to be clueless as to how to use him. This the same manager who took Lewandowski to the next level? Where’s that gone?

It’s a well-known thing that his heading is his weakness yet it’s the only way we pass him the ball by nailing it to his mop and hoping it sticks. Got to find a way to keep him involved in games whether it’s the odd ball over the top for him to chase or actually create a game plan which utilises him. Or put a fuckin’ cross into the box rather than passing it back to a full back.

Bet Txiki’s sat there wondering why he spent (probably) years perfecting the signing only for his best mate to completely nullify the bloke instead.

 

[Constantine]

Not sure that's correct. Last night Haarland made runs into good positions but was ignored despite a through ball being possible. I think the players don't play with their heads up looking for that pass.

If that's the case, they need to be coached about that. It's still the manager's responsability.

 

[Paul1970]

The through ball from Grealish to Haaland came from the middle of the park and Mahrez scored from a central position.

Mahrez and Grealish create nowhere near enough from wide positions for Haaland. They both hold on to the ball for far too long, don’t get their heads up, and do not get enough crosses in. As individuals (particularly Grealish) they are playing well but we will never get the full potential out of Haaland while they are his providers.

If that’s the case then what do we do next season as both players will still be doing there thing. This passing to death needs to change and soon .

 

[Constantine]

For the record, Jamie Vardy (a striker) CURRENTLY holds the record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games (eleven) thanks in large part to a City player known in this forum as ffs.

 

[OrigamiNinja]

If that’s the case then what do we do next season as both players will still be doing there thing. This passing to death needs to change and soon .

IMO we either need new wide men or new 8s, probably both.

For me, last nights combination of 8s and wide men was the worst we can put out on the field. Not because they aren’t good players in their own right, but because Grealish, Mahrez, Gundo and Bernie are too risk averse to have as 4 of the starting front 5. Swap two of them out for an in-form Foden and KDB and it’s a different story, but as we know their form has been up and down all season.

I would be buying at least one pacy wide man and an 8. Convert Grealish to an 8. Let Gundo leave the club. Mahrez to be seeing a lot less game time. The front 5 to consist of Haaland, Foden, new wide man, Grealish (at 8) and KDB. Throw in Bellingham to rotate with Grealish and KDB and I think we would look a different team. It’s easy this football manager lark.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

The commentators actually expressed their sympathy several times, and on multiple occasions pointed out runs that Haaland did and, quote, "being ignored by his team mates". They mentioned numerous times that he was clearly getting frustrated, and quote, "rightly so".

Absolutety no different from any other top class striker , but Haaland is highlighted after scoring 32 goals whilst other strikers gesticulating and moaning at playing colleagues who have scored far less goals and there clubs do not get a mention, Mo Salah being the perfect example , and because some pundit with an obvious agenda only looking for negatives regarding our club states "rightly so" means f*ck all in my opinion.

 

[applejuice]

The through ball from Grealish to Haaland came from the middle of the park and Mahrez scored from a central position.

Mahrez and Grealish create nowhere near enough from wide positions for Haaland. They both hold on to the ball for far too long, don’t get their heads up, and do not get enough crosses in. As individuals (particularly Grealish) they are playing well but we will never get the full potential out of Haaland while they are his providers.

They play for the team success, not for Halaand.

 

[OrigamiNinja]

They play for the team success, not for Halaand.

You don’t think the likelihood of team success increases with better service to the best striker in world football?

 

[applejuice]

IMO we either need new wide men or new 8s, probably both.

For me, last nights combination of 8s and wide men was the worst we can put out on the field. Not because they aren’t good players in their own right, but because Grealish, Mahrez, Gundo and Bernie are too risk averse to have as 4 of the starting front 5. Swap two of them out for an in-form Foden and KDB and it’s a different story, but as we know their form has been up and down all season.

I would be buying at least one pacy wide man and an 8. Convert Grealish to an 8. Let Gundo leave the club. Mahrez to be seeing a lot less game time. The front 5 to consist of Haaland, Foden, new wide man, Grealish (at 8) and KDB. Throw in Bellingham to rotate with Grealish and KDB and I think we would look a different team. It’s easy this football manager lark.

Mahrez scored our only goal and won MOTM. He is far more efficient than Halaand since WC.

Unless Halaand shows he can be tough enough to perform consistently in away ground, (so far only good vs Arsenal), we should not and won't bet everything on him.

Stop blaming the teammates. I don't blame Halaand but we should not blame his form on others.

A great player should carry the team. Not let the team carry him.

 

[Blue Llama]

If that's the case, they need to be coached about that. It's still the manager's responsability.

It's not something they can all do. At the moment even KDB is struggling to do it. He is playing like someone has rewired his radar.