The machine looks out of sync and appears to need a reset. Erling Haaland started the season at frightening speed, but that rhythm has broken. The Manchester City and Norway striker began with relentless scoring, yet the flow has stalled. He still owns 39 goals from 36 games for club and country. However, he has scored only once in his past eight appearances.
That dip has matched City’s wider struggles. Pep Guardiola’s side have lost ground in the Premier League race. They also suffered a stunning Champions League defeat away at Bodo/Glimt. Guardiola spoke about missing energy after the derby loss to Manchester United. That raised a sharper question about Haaland’s workload and management.
Haaland takes full responsibility for his slump
Haaland’s recent problems showed clearly during a freezing trip to the Arctic Circle. City surprisingly trailed 2-0 and desperately needed inspiration. Just before half-time, Haaland found space eight yards out. He struck first time but sent the ball wide.
Earlier this season, that chance likely ended in a goal. Now, Haaland has failed to score from open play in eight games. That run marks his longest drought across his City and Dortmund career. He has scored only once in that period, and it came from the penalty spot.
Haaland spoke with visible frustration after the match. He said he carried full responsibility for missing chances. He apologised to the travelling supporters for the result. He avoided discussing emotions and focused on effort. He pointed to the heavy schedule and promised full commitment again next time.
A relentless schedule raises serious questions
Haaland has already played 31 matches this season. Those appearances total 2,568 minutes across all competitions. That figure places him 12th among Premier League players for minutes played. Among forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks second overall.
Only Jean-Philippe Mateta has played more among that group. Mateta has featured in two extra matches but barely more minutes. The calendar ahead looks even more punishing for Haaland. City still have 16 league games remaining this season.
Cup runs could add even more minutes. City remain alive in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League. Norway also play two friendlies in March. Haaland could add as many as 33 further matches. That path could lead to 69 games before the summer World Cup.
The numbers behind the sudden decline
Haaland’s goal drought has come with broader statistical drops. His last open-play goal arrived against West Ham over a month ago. Since then, his shooting rate has fallen noticeably. He now takes one fewer shot per 90 minutes.
His presence in the penalty area has also declined. Touches inside the opposition box dropped from 6.7 to 4.3 per match. His expected goals figure fell sharply too. It declined from 0.98 per 90 minutes to 0.42.
Big chances have dried up at a similar rate. He previously averaged 1.94 big chances per 90 minutes. That figure has now fallen to 0.81. The supply line has clearly weakened.
Injuries and rotation decisions add pressure
Defensive injuries have disrupted City’s structure. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have both missed key spells. Their absences slowed City’s progression through the pitch. Rodri continues to search for rhythm after a long injury absence.
Phil Foden’s form has also dipped. He has not recorded a goal or assist since the West Ham match. Haaland has accepted blame for his struggles. Yet Guardiola must also face scrutiny for heavy reliance on his striker.
Starting Haaland in the FA Cup rout of Exeter City raised eyebrows. City led comfortably against lower-league opposition. A younger player could have started without major risk. Guardiola likely felt scarred by past rotation failures.
A heavy Champions League defeat earlier this season followed ten changes. That experience appears to have shaped his caution. Still, help now arrives from returning and new attacking options.
Support arrives as pressure eases on Haaland
Omar Marmoush has returned from international duty. January signing Antoine Semenyo offers flexibility across the front line. Their presence should reduce Haaland’s burden in coming weeks. That support may restore balance to City’s attack.
Despite another quiet night, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton urged calm. Speaking on national radio, he dismissed fears about Haaland’s form. He highlighted Haaland’s consistent scoring history. Sutton warned against writing off an elite striker so quickly.
Tactical analysis: Are City still playing to Haaland’s strengths?
This question feels strange given Haaland’s scoring record. He still leads the league with 20 goals from 22 matches. Yet he has failed to score from open play in eight straight games. Guardiola has cited fixture congestion, but tactical changes also matter.
Haaland thrives on vertical runs and space behind defences. His ideal chance comes from a through ball into open grass. Early this season, City played more directly and transitionally. That style suited Haaland perfectly.
City scored more fast breaks than in recent seasons combined. Speed from wide players stretched defences quickly. That approach, however, brought defensive risks. Faster attacks increased turnovers and exposed City to counters.
Control replaces chaos as injuries bite
Guardiola later hinted at slowing things down. He praised running power but demanded better control. City gradually shifted toward a more measured style. That change reduced counter-attacks but invited deeper defending opponents.
Injuries have complicated that transition. Several players now struggle to execute complex positional play. The loss of ball-playing defenders slowed City’s build-up. Fewer forward passes arrive early for Haaland to chase.
Gvardiol ranked highly for progressive carries and line-breaking passes. Without him, City often stall between styles. They neither counter quickly nor fully pin opponents back. That limbo limits Haaland’s strengths.
How City can unlock Haaland again
When City push opponents deep, Haaland usually finds solutions. He often darts forward, then slows inside the box. Defenders keep retreating, following wide movements. A cut-back then finds Haaland free to finish.
Jeremy Doku previously excelled at creating those moments. His form has dipped since early season heights. Other wide players have shown similar traits in flashes. Consistency remains the issue.
Haaland also attacks the back post against low blocks. He prefers that zone over near-post runs. Teammates often exploit the near-post space instead. Reijnders has scored by attacking those areas recently.
Teams increasingly double-mark Haaland to suffocate space. That pressure demands creativity elsewhere. The absence of Matheus Nunes hurts City’s crossing quality. Only Kevin De Bruyne has assisted Haaland more at City.
City must therefore manufacture space deliberately. They need faster circulation, sharper runs, or braver transitions. Otherwise, Haaland relies on perfect crosses finding him late. If that happens again, the goals will surely follow.
