“Something Is Wrong With [Erling] Haaland” – Manchester City Star’s 6-Month Goal Drought Puts His UCL Stint in Dubious Light, Says Renowned Journalist

Published 10/07/2023, 9:15 AM EDT

In the world of soccer, Erling Haaland is a name that commands attention. His incredible goal-scoring prowess has made him one of the most sought-after talents in the sport. Since his move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last season, Haaland has impressively scored 60 goals in 64 total games for Guardiola’s side. However, in recent times, there has been a concerning development in the career of the Manchester City star striker. A goal drought that has lasted for six long months in the UEFA Champions League has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.

Recently, a famous sports journalist expressed his concerns regarding Haaland’s dipped form in the UEFA Champions League. As he pointed out some major struggles of the Norwegian striker in the Champions League, some striking facts also came out. Let’s delve deeper into the story and hear what the columnist has to say.

Is Erling Haaland struggling in the Champions League?

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In a recent column for Diario AS, renowned journalist Pablo M. Fuentenebro claimed that “something is wrong” with Haaland. While comparing Haaland’s current season’s stats with that of the last edition, he pointed out a surprising dip in the striker’s form in the UCL. “Something is wrong with Haaland. The Norwegian striker’s love affair with the Champions League has gone down the drain at the start of the 2023-2024 season. Haaland has gone from scoring 12 goals in the previous edition to being blank in the current one,” Fuentenebro claimed.

Fuentenebro’s observations are even more telling when considering City’s recent performances in the Champions League. Man City has scored a total of six goals across two matches (3-1 wins against Red Star and RB Leipzig), yet not a single one of those goals has come from Haaland. It is striking to note that the Norwegian’s last goal in the Champions League came in a dramatic quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich on April 19, 2023. Since that memorable night, he has failed to find the back of the net in Europe’s elite competition. This surprising goal drought has raised questions among fans and experts across the globe.

“Erling Wouldn’t Be Where He Is Now if He Didn’t Get Angry” – Erling Haaland Should Be Happy Despite Firing Blank in the Champions League, Says Ex-coach

There is no doubt that Haaland has not been at his best in the Champions League this season. It is a dilemma that has already started affecting the Manchester City ace striker. He was seen considerably frustrated on the pitch against Leipzig due to his lack of chances in front of the goal. However, it is important to note that he is still leading the scoring charts in the domestic league. And this makes his goal drought in the UCL even more questionable.

Striking contrasts in Haaland’s performances

The goal-scoring prowess of Erling Haaland isn’t entirely affected. Though he is struggling to find the back of the net in the Champions League, he currently leads the charts in the Premier League. Haaland has been a force to be reckoned with for the defenders in the Premier League. He has already scored 8 goals in 7 matches for City in the domestic league. However, a closer look reveals that even his Premier League form has dipped slightly compared to the previous season.

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In the 2022-23 season, Haaland netted an astonishing 11 goals in the first seven games. This season, his tally stands at eight goals after the same number of matches. While it is technically a slower start than last season, 8 in 7 games is still a brilliant start. However, his form in the Champions League points out Haaland’s woes in converting big chances in front of the goal this season.

As Manchester City gears up to face Arsenal this weekend, Erling Haaland has a golden opportunity to silence his critics and rediscover his scoring touch. Can he break his Champions League goal drought and silence the growing concerns? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: all eyes will be on the Norwegian.

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Written by:

Sahil Sharma is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He's been a fan since childhood, but his love for the sport truly took off when Real Madrid won their record 10th UEFA Champions League title in 2014. That famous La Decima triumph turned him into a hardcore Madridista.

Edited by:

Rohan Karnad

“Something Is Wrong With [Erling] Haaland” – Manchester City Star’s 6-Month Goal Drought Puts His UCL Stint in Dubious Light, Says Renowned Journalist

Is Erling Haaland struggling in the Champions League?

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Striking contrasts in Haaland’s performances