It was the surprise of the season as Manchester City lost to their neighbors in the FA Cup final. Many had expected a similar outcome to the 2023 final where Ilkay Gundogan sealed the game for Sky Blues. But, what was not a surprise was Erling Haaland’s display. Another final and another blank for the Norwegian superstar. His performances in games that matter have left a lot to be desired. Yet, according to a legendary French defender, the problem lies not in Haaland’s mentality, but in City’s reluctance to ‘cross the ball.’

On the ESPN FC show, former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf opened up about his frustrations on Erling Haaland’s FA-Cup display. The pundit said, “When I see Haaland playing and when I see how Manchester City is thinking there their game where it’s to go around.” As per the pundit, Guardiola’s side took the indirect approach and played too many passes instead of giving clear chances to their #9. Leboeuf noted that this was particularly true in the second half where everyone passed the ball to Doku.

He added, “I was wondering the frustration that Haaland must have week-in week-out you know by running, asking for the ball but never receiving, because when they don’t feel well  they never cross the ball and they go around and go around.” As per the pundit, the solution to get the best out of Erling Haaland is to put the ball in the 16-yard box.

Notably, Leboeuf is not the first pundit who’s unhappy with how Manchester City are using their striker. Previously, a soccer pundit had stunned everyone as he claimed that City has made Erling Haaland worse!

Erling Haaland’s ‘general play’ worsened at Manchester City per expert

Erling Haaland’s goalscoring prowess is the same as it was in Borussia Dortmund. However, as per expert Stewart Robinson, other aspects of his game has seen a decline since joining Manchester City. The pundit said, “Manchester City likes to play short passes, play through the lines and getting into wide areas and then get crosses in, which suits his goal-scoring, but his general play I think has been worse at Man City than it was at Borussia Dortmund.”

Notably, Haaland’s overall game has come under a lot of criticism this season. Pundit Roy Keane blasted the Norwegian as he likened Haaland’s general play to that of a League Two player. Coach Pep Guardiola also recognizes that the striker has room for improvement. With the likes of KDB aging, Erling Haaland has to be the difference-maker for the Sky Blues going forward. To do so, it is imperative that works on the technical aspects of his game. Else, he might continue to falter in the big moments.