Erling Haaland is currently struggling with his goal scoring. Manchester City‘s leading scorer has netted only four goals in his last seventeen matches across competitions, with two coming from penalties. The team needs Haaland to regain his form as they aim for success in several tournaments. Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for the team to find Haaland more often. He also suggested that changing Haaland’s movement could help him score again.
Pep Guardiola highlights the need for better service to Erling Haaland.
Tonight, Manchester City will face West Ham at the London Stadium. Haaland has a strong record against West Ham, having scored eleven goals in seven matches, including six goals at this venue. Ahead of the match, Guardiola stated that he doesn’t believe players perform better against specific teams. However, he acknowledged that the team must put Haaland in better scoring positions, saying, “He needs goals and the team needs it. We have to find him more.”
Manchester City could benefit from Erling Haaland changing his movement in the box.
Manchester City players need to recognize Haaland’s runs. He often makes good runs behind defenders, but they aren’t always recognized. Haaland excels when he is played through, but teams that defend deep limit these opportunities. When opponents attack City and they regain possession, it’s crucial to find Haaland during his runs. If his teammates support him on these runs, it will enhance his involvement in matches.
Additionally, Haaland should vary his movement in the penalty area. He has often positioned himself at the back post recently. If he changes his runs, he could become a more dangerous player. Opponents would struggle to defend against him if they cannot predict his actions. Altering his positioning before a cross could help him return to scoring form.
Manchester City must provide Haaland with the chances he needs to break out of this slump. Haaland also has opportunities to contribute more on this front. Hopefully, he can find the net again tonight against West Ham to help the team’s efforts.