Erling Haaland misfired in Manchester City’s loss against Arsenal in October 2023. Thereafter, fans and pundits mocked the treble-winner for not showing up in big games. Some even called him out for bullying and battering small teams while trembling against an Arsenal or a Liverpool. Anyhow, not all veterans are ready to shame Haaland for the no-show in big matches. With grander battles to come including the Champions League, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry dished out a cunning game plan for the Norwegian to improve his skill set in the matches against powerhouses.

Haaland delivered in City’s recent ‘big game,’ scoring the last goal in their 3-1 rout of Manchester United. This weekend, yet another headline clash awaits Pep Guardiola and co. as they play Liverpool on the road. Perhaps Henry’s advice to outsmart rival center-backs would help the City striker in the weekend battle.

Striking legend Henry asks Erling Haaland to try a new trick to deliver in big games

Save the big game woes, Erling Haaland is also facing flak for a significant drop in his ball touches per game. The Norwegian now has the lowest ball-touch average among the English Premier League strikers. Haaland’s lesser involvement and big game struggles became the talking point in the latest Sky Sports Premier League show. Thierry Henry pitched in and said the City #9 should change his usual attacking strategy while playing against strong teams. “If the ball is on that side he goes on the opposite center back to be on the opposite side. There’s no quality player to come and make them play. But in big games, why is it a bit difficult? It’s almost this. Instead of being here (opposite) just go in front of one center back and see if you can pop the ball back,” said Henry.

The French icon added if Haaland does that, no defender could stand him in a race. Besides, Henry concluded by reminding his co-panelists that the 23-year-old is “outstanding,” but they were just speaking about his drop in game involvement. Henry’s advice is no surprise, considering that he was at the epicenter of Arsenal’s attack during their undefeated campaign with Arsene Wenger. The Norwegian should now be ready to try new attacking strategies as Manchester City has two headline clashes this week.

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The UCL stage and Liverpool await Haaland’s attack

Erling Haaland’s form seesawed in this year’s UEFA Champions League. He scored goals in three matches and he misfired in three. One such misfiring night was when City faced Copenhagen FC on the road in the Ro16’s first leg. Now, a second-leg home game awaits Haaland to end his goal drought against Copenhagen. City already has a 3-1 lead against the Danish side. Hence, it would be a walk in the park for Pep Guardiola when the Danes come to Etihad.

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However, there won’t be a similar breathing space on Saturday. In a clash that could determine this year’s title race, Liverpool- the Premier League’s top seed, locks horns with Manchester City- the second seed. Erling Haaland will be closely watched to see if he could make any difference. It is paramount that Haaland delivers, considering he has scored only thrice against Liverpool in six matches.

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