“Chelsea consistently poses a challenge for me. While I’ve scored freely against other top teams like Manchester United, there’s something about their defense, or perhaps a specific play that makes it difficult for me to find the net.”

Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, is facing an unexpected challenge – missed aerial opportunities.

Despite being nicknamed the “Nordic Meat Shield,” recent games have highlighted a weakness in his game.

While some dismiss this as a minor blip, his dip in form (only 2 goals in 6 games) coincides with crucial dropped points for City. 

The pressure is on, as rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal gain momentum.

Haaland’s recent misses, particularly headers, are raising eyebrows. While headers make up a small portion of his goals (10%), his size and strength suggest room for improvement. 

Even at Borussia Dortmund, he received extra heading practice.

Manager Pep Guardiola isn’t letting Haaland off the hook. He demands more power and precision in finishing, especially after missed opportunities like the one against Manchester United.

This raises questions about Haaland’s confidence and decision-making under pressure.

Despite the recent struggles, Haaland’s overall record speaks for itself. His xG stats suggest he’s underperforming, but his talent and determination are undeniable.

City needs him firing on all cylinders, especially with their defensive woes (only 2 clean sheets in 14 games).

Haaland’s recent struggles are a cause for concern for City, but writing him off is premature. His talent and work ethic suggest he’ll bounce back.

However, both he and City need to address this weakness quickly to maintain their title challenge.