Erling Braut Haaland is the top scorer in the Premier League, but has recently been criticized for missing too much. Seven goals in five league games was the result before Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest, but several have pointed out that the number of goals should have been higher based on how many great chances the Norwegian had had. – My advice is not to criticize him too much, said City manager Pep Guardiola before the match, and continued: – Because then you will soon feel like saying sorry. In a comment on news, football writer Thore Haugstad pointed this out – that Haaland has more chances, but is less effective than last season. If he increases his efficiency to his usual level, the 22-year-old will be more dangerous than ever, concluded Haugstad. And after 14 minutes, Haaland gave the critics something to chew on. Then he rose high into the air on a cross from Matheus Nunes and nodded the ball straight into the goal. His eighth Premier League goal of the season. FLY HIGH: Haaland towers highest both in the field and on the top scorer lists. Photo: ED SYKES / Reuters Close to a record goal Phil Foden had already sent City into the lead. Because already after six minutes, the visitors from Nottingham broke the deadlock. Guardiola’s men kept up with sensational football and had a total of 46 passes in the team before Foden put the ball in the net. It is the second-longest build-up to a Premier League goal of all time (48 passes, Chadli for Tottenham against QPR in 2014). With 2-0 at half-time, several experts concluded that the game was almost over. This saw City win comfortably. – This is the best I have seen City play in a long time, said Sky Sports’ expert Paul Merson after the start of the match. FIRST GOAL: Phil Foden (left) sent City into the lead. Photo: AFP Big Haaland chance But the second half had barely started before Rodri provided some excitement. The Spanish midfielder got into an argument with Morgan Gibbs-White, went head-to-head with the Forrest player and suddenly took a stranglehold on his opponent. Right in the dressing room for Rodri, who will thus lose the top game against title contenders Arsenal on 8 October. – Rodri is very inexperienced, says Viaplay’s expert, Sigrid Heien Hansen. – This is a big blow for City, she believes. – You don’t expect to see that from Rodri. He completely lost his head, writes The Athletic journalist Sam Lee, who covers the club closely for the website. Foden says that the expulsion caused trouble. – It was not ideal, but we showed a new side of ourselves and I am very proud of this team, he says. Later in the second half, Haaland also had a huge chance. Nathan Aké hit the ball in front of the goal to an unmarked super striker, but with the wide side of his foot sent the ball over the goal. – There are small margins, a hitting point of millimeters that determines whether it goes in or out, said Viaplay’s commentator Lars Tjærnås. However, the miss had no consequences for City, who top the league, where they have won six straight.
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Guardiola warned the Haaland critics – scored in another City victory – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
