Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has expressed his support for Erling Braut Haaland after the striker missed nine chances, three of which were big opportunities, during the team's match against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
The citizens played an exciting match at the Etihad Stadium but missed several opportunities to score. Haaland, who is usually a prolific scorer, missed a clear chance to score with a free header from six yards out.
The Manchester City Player of the Season for 2022-23, Haaland, set a new Premier League record for the highest expected goals in a match without scoring even though he has scored 16 goals in the Premier League so far.
Rodri’s 83rd-minute equaliser was necessary for City to secure a point after Raheem Sterling, their former forward, had put the Londoners on course for an unexpected win with a 43rd-minute effort.
Following the passing of his grandmother, Haaland has had a challenging week in which he appeared irritated after the game at Etihad last Saturday and brushed off a TV camera.
The result dropped City to third place in the league table, four points behind title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, who won earlier in the day.
Pep Guardiola showed support for his striker despite criticism from football pundits and fans worldwide and in attendance at the Etihad Stadium.
“It’s good to have nine shots and he will score next time. I was a football player for 11 years and scored 11 goals. What stats! One goal a season. I’m not, a proper man to advise strikers,” Pep blew the gaff.
Guardiola expressed his support for the Norwegian forward, “We create the chances, he had the chances and next time he’s going to score. I don’t blame him. It’s football, it’s human beings.”
