9 | Erling Haaland - 2025/26

[mattcity5]

Not totally agreeing with @Belgian Flash but I do in part.

If we look only at Haaland's total goal record, then it sounds silly saying anything critical.

However, since his first season here, sides have tightened up against him. Even more so maybe this last half season.

He used to score at a goal per game for us but more recently it's more like 1 in 2. Still very good, but teams have worked out how to make him 'human'.

All strikers have different strengths and tbh it's fairly difficult to restrict Haaland. However while the way he runs onto throughballs is the best in the world probably, if he has no room to run into it lessens him.

Being critical, while I'd also describe his left foot as a ten, his right is maybe a 5 and his heading not much more (despite his height).

So if a team plays deep and has players around him closing off his space it makes it harder to get him a chance on his left foot. Teams watch for that, deny him the opportunity he wants and he's left with headers and his right foot, and eye of a needle passes to him.

Having to play the way he's forced in many games, he isnt World Class. In fact some mediocre strikers are probably more suited as they may be better in the air.

I'm not saying we should replace him with Chris Wood, but mainly because against the best teams he maybe doesn't have these negative tactics to deal with. He can still be the difference and rack up decent goal totals, but I actually feel for him a little now that teams are so negative against us. Hes a victim of his own success and brilliance.

 

[goatfeeder100]

Not totally agreeing with @Belgian Flash but I do in part.

If we look only at Haaland's total goal record, then it sounds silly saying anything critical.

However, since his first season here, sides have tightened up against him. Even more so maybe this last half season.

He used to score at a goal per game for us but more recently it's more like 1 in 2. Still very good, but teams have worked out how to make him 'human'.

All strikers have different strengths and tbh it's fairly difficult to restrict Haaland. However while the way he runs onto throughballs is the best in the world probably, if he has no room to run into it lessens him.

Being critical, while I'd also describe his left foot as a ten, his right is maybe a 5 and his heading not much more (despite his height).

So if a team plays deep and has players around him closing off his space it makes it harder to get him a chance on his left foot. Teams watch for that, deny him the opportunity he wants and he's left with headers and his right foot, and eye of a needle passes to him.

Having to play the way he's forced in many games, he isnt World Class. In fact some mediocre strikers are probably more suited as they may be better in the air.

I'm not saying we should replace him with Chris Wood, but mainly because against the best teams he maybe doesn't have these negative tactics to deal with. He can still be the difference and rack up decent goal totals, but I actually feel for him a little now that teams are so negative against us. Hes a victim of his own success and brilliance.

Fair comments here plus when he first came the source of his supply was generally a lot more reliable and he clearly had a lot more chemistry with KDB, than he does currently with the erratic supply he receives from both wings.

 

[Father Paul]

The guy has scored over 200 goals in his career already. If you have a graph that backs up this idea he only ever scores goals from vertical runs when he has loads of space then I await your presentation of it.

As for your assessment of that one individual moment, let's just say I don't agree. Seems like you're using it as a way to be hard done by on Doku's behalf because he didn't get an assist. I'd probably argue that Haaland is sick and tired after spending the last 2 years trying to anticipate if and when a ball from Doku is coming anywhere near him.

Too true. This clip says far more about Doku than Haaland highlighing his inconsistency and unpredictability. I do however think we need a bit more from the big man this season if we are to win anything, regardless as to whether he was utilised correctly he looked a bit off it to me last year.

 

[RayCTID]

Not totally agreeing with @Belgian Flash but I do in part.

If we look only at Haaland's total goal record, then it sounds silly saying anything critical.

However, since his first season here, sides have tightened up against him. Even more so maybe this last half season.

He used to score at a goal per game for us but more recently it's more like 1 in 2. Still very good, but teams have worked out how to make him 'human'.

All strikers have different strengths and tbh it's fairly difficult to restrict Haaland. However while the way he runs onto throughballs is the best in the world probably, if he has no room to run into it lessens him.

Being critical, while I'd also describe his left foot as a ten, his right is maybe a 5 and his heading not much more (despite his height).

So if a team plays deep and has players around him closing off his space it makes it harder to get him a chance on his left foot. Teams watch for that, deny him the opportunity he wants and he's left with headers and his right foot, and eye of a needle passes to him.

Having to play the way he's forced in many games, he isnt World Class. In fact some mediocre strikers are probably more suited as they may be better in the air.

I'm not saying we should replace him with Chris Wood, but mainly because against the best teams he maybe doesn't have these negative tactics to deal with. He can still be the difference and rack up decent goal totals, but I actually feel for him a little now that teams are so negative against us. Hes a victim of his own success and brilliance.

He still had his fair share of injuries at City which hasn't quite helped with proceedings and at times the team seem not be working on each others wavelength. The two new coaches could help improve upon that issue.

 

[goatfeeder100]

I wouldn't disagree. Hope this season he's able to develop more of a connection with the lads around him, Doku included.

Too true. This clip says far more about Doku than Haaland highlighing his inconsistency and unpredictability. I do however think we need a bit more from the big man this season if we are to win anything, regardless as to whether he was utilised correctly he looked a bit off it to me last year.

 

[WallyA]

I am indeed, but its these fractions that separate elite from fine.

Your post is just silly.

Even the new image you put shows 5 players obstructing Haaland's view, you drew the wrong conclusions as others have said.

Doku made a mistake passing to Haaland there, plenty of others in better spots.

 

[goatfeeder100]

Your post is just silly.

Even the new image you put shows 5 players obstructing Haaland's view, you drew the wrong conclusions as others have said.

Doku made a mistake passing to Haaland there, plenty of others in better spots.

You're not looking at it heuristically mate that's you're problem :-D

Seriously, blaming Haaland for not scoring a chance that Victor Osimhen would have gobbled up 10/10 times is utter madness.

 

[Drewmanc]

I honestly think with Ekitike possibly in the prem alongside Gyokeres it'll spur him on to greater heights, they're both compared to him and I think after last season he'll want whopping numbers again this season. With hopefully a change in tactics to more swift transition and attack well play to his strengths again.

 

[alexmcity]

Not totally agreeing with @Belgian Flash but I do in part.

If we look only at Haaland's total goal record, then it sounds silly saying anything critical.

However, since his first season here, sides have tightened up against him. Even more so maybe this last half season.

He used to score at a goal per game for us but more recently it's more like 1 in 2. Still very good, but teams have worked out how to make him 'human'.

All strikers have different strengths and tbh it's fairly difficult to restrict Haaland. However while the way he runs onto throughballs is the best in the world probably, if he has no room to run into it lessens him.

Being critical, while I'd also describe his left foot as a ten, his right is maybe a 5 and his heading not much more (despite his height).

So if a team plays deep and has players around him closing off his space it makes it harder to get him a chance on his left foot. Teams watch for that, deny him the opportunity he wants and he's left with headers and his right foot, and eye of a needle passes to him.

Having to play the way he's forced in many games, he isnt World Class. In fact some mediocre strikers are probably more suited as they may be better in the air.

I'm not saying we should replace him with Chris Wood, but mainly because against the best teams he maybe doesn't have these negative tactics to deal with. He can still be the difference and rack up decent goal totals, but I actually feel for him a little now that teams are so negative against us. Hes a victim of his own success and brilliance.

The main reason for his recent problems is that the team struggled. In 22/23 we had a better team than in 23/24, plus he had fewer injuries, and in 23/24 our team was much better than in 24/25.

Once we can get back to good standards, he will easily score 40 goals. Personally, I expect 45+ goals next season.

 

[supercity88]

The main reason for his recent problems is that the team struggled. In 22/23 we had a better team than in 23/24, plus he had fewer injuries, and in 23/24 our team was much better than in 24/25.

Once we can get back to good standards, he will easily score 40 goals. Personally, I expect 45+ goals next season.

I think, like others, he wasn't at his best. But the team will improve and so will he.

 

[mattcity5]

The main reason for his recent problems is that the team struggled. In 22/23 we had a better team than in 23/24, plus he had fewer injuries, and in 23/24 our team was much better than in 24/25.

Once we can get back to good standards, he will easily score 40 goals. Personally, I expect 45+ goals next season.

Unfortunately I disagree - if we carry on playing the same way and coming up against the same deep back tens. I hope you're right though.

 

[CambridgeExileBlue]

Unfortunately I disagree - if we carry on playing the same way and coming up against the same deep back tens. I hope you're right though.

Agree. I hope with our new players the tactics adjust to move quicker and create more space.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Erling would score 70 league goals in a big Sam team.

Pep. I know you have your principals based on your hero Cruyff and I respect that.

Just let Eddie boot it to him 5 times a game and he'll score at least 3.

 

[Dialog]

 

[brian the blue]

His last couple of penalties have annoyed me, purely because of the cup final.

He’s always just ran up and struck the ball, so keepers dive quite early to anticipate.

His last 2 penalties he has used a small stutter which has resulted in him sending the keeper the wrong way.

Now he had clearly been practising this. So the first time he does it, he is always going to score as the keeper will move early as he isn’t expecting him to stop.

This makes the FA cup final penalty even more annoying, as had he took it, it would have been his first stutter pen and Henderson dived very early for Marmoush’s pen, so Haaland would’ve quite easily scored sending him the wrong way.

At least now keepers won’t know if he going to stop in his run up which should make him less predicable moving forwards.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Not totally agreeing with @Belgian Flash but I do in part.

If we look only at Haaland's total goal record, then it sounds silly saying anything critical.

However, since his first season here, sides have tightened up against him. Even more so maybe this last half season.

He used to score at a goal per game for us but more recently it's more like 1 in 2. Still very good, but teams have worked out how to make him 'human'.

All strikers have different strengths and tbh it's fairly difficult to restrict Haaland. However while the way he runs onto throughballs is the best in the world probably, if he has no room to run into it lessens him.

Being critical, while I'd also describe his left foot as a ten, his right is maybe a 5 and his heading not much more (despite his height).

So if a team plays deep and has players around him closing off his space it makes it harder to get him a chance on his left foot. Teams watch for that, deny him the opportunity he wants and he's left with headers and his right foot, and eye of a needle passes to him.

Having to play the way he's forced in many games, he isnt World Class. In fact some mediocre strikers are probably more suited as they may be better in the air.

I'm not saying we should replace him with Chris Wood, but mainly because against the best teams he maybe doesn't have these negative tactics to deal with. He can still be the difference and rack up decent goal totals, but I actually feel for him a little now that teams are so negative against us. Hes a victim of his own success and brilliance.

If you add to that the way he is manhandled and held in the box with impunity, it makes life difficult for him.

 

[Alexia_Ko]

World class striker. With Cherki in the team he will be scoring bucket loads

 

[thegoatsthegoat]

Not totally agreeing with @Belgian Flash but I do in part.

If we look only at Haaland's total goal record, then it sounds silly saying anything critical.

However, since his first season here, sides have tightened up against him. Even more so maybe this last half season.

He used to score at a goal per game for us but more recently it's more like 1 in 2. Still very good, but teams have worked out how to make him 'human'.

All strikers have different strengths and tbh it's fairly difficult to restrict Haaland. However while the way he runs onto throughballs is the best in the world probably, if he has no room to run into it lessens him.

Being critical, while I'd also describe his left foot as a ten, his right is maybe a 5 and his heading not much more (despite his height).

So if a team plays deep and has players around him closing off his space it makes it harder to get him a chance on his left foot. Teams watch for that, deny him the opportunity he wants and he's left with headers and his right foot, and eye of a needle passes to him.

Having to play the way he's forced in many games, he isnt World Class. In fact some mediocre strikers are probably more suited as they may be better in the air.

I'm not saying we should replace him with Chris Wood, but mainly because against the best teams he maybe doesn't have these negative tactics to deal with. He can still be the difference and rack up decent goal totals, but I actually feel for him a little now that teams are so negative against us. Hes a victim of his own success and brilliance.

Nah, not having much of that. Never get this teams work out to play against someone after a year thing. People know a player or teams strength, they don't need a year to work that out.

What has happened is we as a club have declined since his first season. Teams have evolved which has had an impact on our approach, they have become stronger and more organised and we have struggled to combat that. Teams with shape easily defend against us because without a fit and firing KDB, we didn't create the same level of chances for Haaland. He will still get chances, he will still score goals but he drastically has to adapt his game too as well as us working to his strengths. Bottling that cup final penalty was criminal for me and he needs to deliver off the back of that.

I am hopeful a new faster approach from us benefits him.

 

[Betterdeedthan red]

No point discussing anything with people whose depth of analysis ends at "Haaland scored 300 goals in his life thats all you need to know". Carry on.

Exactly.
This lad is a once in a generation player.
He's a blue.
He plays for us.
And some idiots moan .
Give your heads a fucking wobble.
He will go down as the best striker to ever play in this country.
And one of the best ever.
Obviously he has faults.
Even pep does as a manger.
But appreciate what we have.
And enjoy him

 

[Betterdeedthan red]

I honestly think with Ekitike possibly in the prem alongside Gyokeres it'll spur him on to greater heights, they're both compared to him and I think after last season he'll want whopping numbers again this season. With hopefully a change in tactics to more swift transition and attack well play to his strengths again.

Fuck me.
That traffic cone at the swamp was compared to him when he signed at the dump.
Haaland has no comparison.
End of discussion