Erling Haaland once again failed to score against Aston Villa and Unai Emery has now explained how his team stopped the Manchester City forward.
Matty Cash’s goal made the difference as the Midlands outfit once again bested the Sky Blues at Villa Park.
Pep Guardiola praised Aston Villa’s defending post-match, with Haaland in particular struggling.
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The Norwegian, who sits as the Premier League’s top goalscorer this season, has now failed to score in his last three visits to Villa, and Emery has explained why.
Erling Haaland during Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Unai Emery explains how to stop Erling Haaland
As per Sky Sports, the Spaniard was asked post-match what the key to stopping Haaland is.
He said: “The goalkeeper! Hold the line and get man-to-man. Tactically, individual duels and cover to help.”
Guardiola earmarked Emiliano Martinez as a threat to Man City prior to Sunday’s fixture, and he was right.
The Argentine made three saves over the course of the 90 minutes, with Haaland having three shots on target.
It was a difficult afternoon for City, and the former Borussia Dortmund forward has since shown his respect to Emery’s men.
Erling Haaland praises Aston Villa
Taking to Instagram, Haaland was complimentary of Villa, labelling them ‘strong’.
He wrote: “Tough place to come, strong opponent. Thanks to everyone who travelled today.”
Man City now face Swansea City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before a home meeting with Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
Despite another blank against Aston Villa, Haaland will still go into the next round of league fixtures five goals ahead of second-place Antoine Semenyo and Igor Thiago (both 6) in the goalscoring charts.