Once again KDB was man marked, this time by Fred. Everywhere KDB went, Fred followed him. That was Fred’s only role in the game, bar the odd tackle here and there. I think Brentford started it when they won 1-2 at the Etihad. Everton did the same thing. Managers have cottoned on. Stop KDB and that stops the balls coming into Haaland from the sides, which KDB was doing constantly at the start of the season, when Haaland was scoring for fun.
As for Haaland. He’s being man marked by both centre halfs. ATM he’s too static. Walking and pacing around upfront on his own and getting frustrated. But when he does get free, makes the space, runs forward, the balls aren’t being played forward and through to him. Instead the balls and passes keep on going side ways and backwards. (Pep’s keep ball and control the play tactics)