Losing to Arsenal in the English Super Cup isn’t necessarily a terrible thing for Pep Guardiola’s teachers and students; in fact, it may assist The Citizens improve their play ahead of the new season.The performance of Man City’s key attacker Erling Haaland in crucial games, though, worries fans.
Take in the lesson completely.
Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes denied Erling Haaland any hazardous space in front of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.This helped to keep City out of trouble for the most of the game.Only when Pep Guardiola switched personnel and strategies did The Citizens improve.
Man City had superior ball control than Arsenal (55% – 45%).But Haaland, the striker who scored 52 goals on all fronts to help Manchester United win the treble last season, was deafeningly quiet for the majority of his time on the field.
Mikel Arteta’s students did an excellent job of stopping all balls aimed at the Norwegian striker thanks to the compact 4-2-3-1 tactical formation.In addition to the central defenders Gabriel and Saliba, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in the midfield did an excellent job of dispersing Man City’s assault strategy.Jurrien Timber, a rookie, also stopped defender Kyle Walker from making the necessary crosses for Haaland.
Pep was forced to accept the replacement of the former Dortmund star, Cole Palmer, in the 64th minute.That implies the Spaniard admits the 23-year-old striker has no place in the final.That’s true, Haaland only touched the ball 13 times, lost it 5 times, and didn’t have a shot on goal against Arsenal.He was so “stealth” that he never had a dribbling situation or put any serious pressure on the Gunners defense.
In truth, this is not the first time Haaland has performed poorly or absentmindedly in crucial matches.Last season, he had no substantial impact on the way the Etihad team played in the FA Cup final and semi-final – Champions League final.
Is it only in Haaland that there is an error?
It is clear that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has not gained many new points in their encounter against Arsenal.The void left by captain Ilkay Gundogan’s departure cannot be replaced; the replacement, Mateo Kovacic, requires more time to adjust.The Croatian rookie only played for a few minutes before being replaced by De Bruyne.
Not to mention the departure of Riyad Mahrez, which has slowed The Citizens’ offensive revolution.If Gundogan serves as a link, Mahrez has a strong penetrating ability.So there will be more room to move and more chances to receive the ball and finish.
Pep Guardiola is aware of this.Even though he was out of condition, De Bruyne was called in to replace Kovacic.Unfortunately, Haaland has worn out and must be replaced.Cole Palmer, a young figure, benefited instantly from the Belgian midfielder’s inventiveness with a ball that resulted to the opening goal.
Arsenal performed admirably when they encircled Haaland.Man City, on the other hand, lacks the ingredient to implement the strategy of attacking around Erling before the Gunners.Rookie Josko Gvardiol is a valuable addition to the defense, but Pep must ensure The Citizens’ scoring performance.The lack of more creative attacking stars may cause the Spaniard to be concerned about the upcoming season.