Erling Haaland has been underperforming in recent times
Image credit: AFTV
Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, has faced a challenging period since his infamous comment to Mikel Arteta during a heated 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.
After John Stones scored a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer for City, Haaland was caught on camera taunting the Arsenal boss with the phrase, “stay humble.” While it might have seemed like mind games at the time, the Norwegian’s form has taken a nosedive ever since.
Haaland’s Struggles by the Numbers
In the 12 Premier League matches following that moment, Haaland has managed just three goals and one assist—a sharp contrast to his usual prolific performances.
During this stretch, Manchester City has suffered more than six losses, their recent defeat—a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, dropping to seventh place in the league, with Arsenal and Liverpool surging ahead.
Haaland, who once dominated the goal-scoring charts, is struggling to make an impact even in build-up play.
Is Complacency the Issue for Manchester City?
Manchester City’s current woes go beyond Haaland. Pep Guardiola’s squad has shown signs of aging, with key departures like Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia thriving elsewhere. Unlike in previous seasons, the depth of talent that fueled City’s dominance seems to be missing.
The club’s reliance on veterans, coupled with the decision to sell rising stars without robust buyback clauses, has left Guardiola facing a squad in transition.
What This Means for Arsenal and the Premier League
City’s decline offers a cautionary tale for Arsenal and other top teams: success requires constant renewal. Mikel Arteta’s young, dynamic squad is currently thriving, but Arsenal will need to maintain this balance to avoid similar pitfalls.
As Haaland continues to search for form and Guardiola looks to rebuild, Manchester City faces one of its toughest challenges under the Spaniard’s leadership.