'First of all': Arsene Wenger gives his honest take on recent criticism of Manchester City man Erling Haaland
17/04/2024 07:15
It has been a testing few weeks for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Despite continuing to score at a rate of almost a goal a game, he’s come in for criticism in regards to his hold-up play in the media.
Last season, Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 games and laid on nine assists. This time around, the 23-year-old has suffered the odd injury but still managed to score 31 goals in 38 games – laying on another six.
While his goalscoring form never comes under the microscope – and how could it, scoring 83 goals in 91 City games – his ability to offer anything else was criticised after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal recently.
Everyone will have heard or seen Roy Keane describe Haaland’s ability to hold the ball up as the standard of a League Two player. Thierry Henry said he got too tight to Antonio Rudiger against Madrid last week.
Arsene Wenger reacts to criticism of Man City star Erling Haaland
But perhaps, what these pundits are forgetting is that Haaland is in City’s team for one reason, and on reason only. To score goals – and he continues to do that at a quite ridiculous rate. 20 in the League.
That is despite missing six League games this season, five of which were due to injury. It is up for debate as to whether the criticism from Keane and other pundits was deserved – given his incredible goal tally.
Speaking on BeIN Sports on Tuesday evening, Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger gave his say – backing Haaland simply by stating his numbers, making the point he can’t be seen as anything but “exceptional”.
What Arsene Wenger said about Man City’s Erling Haaland
“First of all, Haaland is exceptional. To score is difficult. When a guy scores 40 every year, no matter where he plays, you say he’s a great football player. He’s going through a difficult patch, happens to everybody.”
While Haaland is renowned for his goals, what might surprise many is that the Leeds-born Norway star has 15 assists during his 91 games for City. He is capable of doing more than just scoring goals for City.
But, Wenger is right. Now, his confidence has dropped as he goes through a tricky bit of form especially after Keane’s, comments. He remains one of the best in the world, but is struggling for his best form.
City and Pep Guardiola will be hoping Haaland can get back to that in the midst of a title race, and a second leg against Real Madrid at The Etihad. If Haaland plays well, you imagine the whole team has.
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