Shaka Hislop has come to the defence of Erling Haaland following Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
City lost at the Etihad Stadium, with Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected strike late on proving the difference in north London.
City ultimately didn’t deserve to win the game.
Arsenal defended very well and the visitors were just unable to threaten David Raya.
Haaland was very quiet, with the two Arsenal centre-backs playing well.
He’s come in for a bit of stick since the game, but ESPN pundit Hislop has come to his defence…
Shaka Hislop defends Erling Haaland and lays blame for his struggles with the team and Pep Guardiola
Haaland was feeding off scraps against the Gunners.
He was missing the service from the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.
And the Pep Guardiola did not use any natural wingers, so balls into the box from wide areas were not forthcoming very often.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Hislop said: “I don’t think he’s to blame at all, in all honesty. There were periods last season when he wasn’t getting much service or much of the ball. He was having to drop deep and get on the ball and Guardiola came out and said ‘I want Haaland to play on the shoulder of the defenders’. If he does that and he’s not getting on the ball you can’t then turn around and say well it’s not his fault for dropping deep.
“I put this on City and their lack of service and more to the point, Pep Guardiola.”
Hislop has a point
Haaland’s struggles against Arsenal were down to a number of factors.
Arsenal’s centre-backs were great and made life very difficult for him. It has to be admitted.
But the service into him just wasn’t as it needed to be.
Perhaps he could do more. But Guardiola has indeed said previously he doesn’t really want him coming deep to affect play.
The advanced midfield area is already a bit congested given the system City player, so Haaland needs to be right up there.
And by staying up there, it will mean there will be games where he is really quiet when City can’t supply him.
