New Delhi: Erling Haaland, for the most part, single-handedly lifted Manchester City from slumps, scoring half of the side’s goals in the Premier League. A pattern everyone had noticed was Haaland’s failure, which often put the side in a spot of bother. Most of the losses this season have come when the Norwegian striker’s performance wasn’t up to the mark.
With Haaland’s brace and Ilkay Gundogan’s 50th-minute goal, Feyenoord was trailing by 3-0 and, until the 75th minute, looked like they were looking at their second loss in a row. It was from here that they turned the game around with a goal rally in the final minutes of the game that ensured the two sides shared the point.
It was again the defence of Pep Guardiola’s side that was exposed by the Dutch side in the Emirates. While the side had managed to break their five loss across competition jinx, they were still unable to bring home a win in a game which was never looking for a 3-3 finish.
Manchester City go from 3-0 to 3-3 vs Feyenoord at home. 😳📉 pic.twitter.com/a7HwEpeYNp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 26, 2024
What became clear was that even if Haaland was scoring consistently, he needed the defence to lower their conceding. The draw was perhaps no better than a loss. It had left Guardiola with scarce words, and he was clearly upset with the side. Coming to the press conference with scratch marks on his face, Guardiola’s frustration was evident.
Guardiola observed that they usually “give away” the first goal, and then the side fails to control the damage. The Spaniard felt that the team could have scored more. However, he maintained that the team had been successful in the past due to their low conceding numbers. It was their inability to finish games that were the root of their losses.
Erling Haaland gave more than hope for a City win
For the majority of the first half, City turned up with an effort to find their footing again, as their game was borderline awkward. Their confidence was in tatters, and they looked nothing like a winner of the last four Premier League titles. Haaland’s 44th-minute penalty had ignited a new energy.
Feyenoord resumed action with a down spirit as they conceded twice by the 53rd minute. Ilkay Gundogan and Haaland both took advantage of the situation, with Haaland reaching 51 goal involvements, reaching the landmark in fewer games than anyone. In a team where the midfield and defence are not at their best, the 24-year-old was able to counter City’s deep-lying issues for a long time.
44 Champions League games, 𝟒𝟔 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬.
Erling Haaland again. 🤖🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/ucz2XUKNkz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 26, 2024
At that point, Guardiola would have thought he would walk away with a win before CIty’s big clash against Liverpool in Anfield. So, the 53-year-old decided to substitute Gundogan with Phil Foden and Nathan Ake. It left Matheus Nunez and James McAtee to manage the midfield. Soon, the team displayed the “fragility” that Guardiola had noted before, with Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko equalling the City tally.
Guardiola’s troubles keep adding up. Arne Slott’s team has scored two or more goals in its last six games, while City has conceded as many times in the same number of games. Guardiola has already said that a loss against the Reds will almost mark the end of their title race.
City are aware that they have lost a point. Gundogan was vocal with his disappointment and resonated with Guardiola’s feelings. The season is yet to reach the midpoint but it has already put City’s back against the walls. With a team that is lacking Rodri’s brilliance, Guardiola will be eyeing a midfield reinforcement in the Winter transfer period.
Manchester City lose three goal lead against Feyenoord during UEFA Champions League, as the defence trouble continues for the side. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
