So far this season, Erling Haaland has scored 18 goals for Manchester City in all competitions. The criticism of City this season has been that they are over-reliant on their star striker. The statistics show that Manchester City’s second top-scorer for this season is Phil Foden, with four goals this season in all competitions, followed by Rayan Cherki with three. So yes, Pep Guardiola’s side has heavily relied on Erling Haaland’s goals to start this season. What has stood out in Manchester City’s past two matches is that City’s attack is evolving, but the constant remains with Erling Haaland still banging in the goals.
The Manchester City attack is evolving as the pieces come together.
Phil Foden scored a brace, and Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scored as Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 last night at the Etihad. Foden’s brace was great to see, as were Erling Haaland’s and Rayan Cherki’s goals. Throughout last night’s game, it was obvious that Manchester City’s attacking play is evolving and improving in each game.
Jeremy Doku and Savinho played superb games on the left and right wings against Borussia Dortmund. The pair tormented the visitors, and on another day, they could have had an even more profound impact on the match. Doku set up a goal for Erling Haaland from the left and also had other great moments throughout the match. Savinho played his best game for some time, and he saw several shots saved by Gregor Kobel last night. You get the feeling that if Savinho can score one goal, the shackles may come off the Brazilian international. Last night’s performance was the best showing from Doku and Savinho since they have started together on either wing.
Phil Foden’s superb game has been covered here. When he is scoring goals, City is an infinitely more dangerous team. Tijjani Reijnders had his chances, but he saw a stinging shot saved, and he did get into dangerous positions throughout yesterday’s match. It does seem that if Reijnders can score one goal, the goals may flow for him. Nico O’Reilly got himself into dangerous positions in the final third throughout last night’s match and scored against Bournemouth last Sunday. He’s becoming a dangerous attacking threat from left-back for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rayan Cherki scored again at the Etihad last night, and he is fast becoming Manchester City’s wildcard. The French international can produce the spectacular, and he is quickly making up for the time he lost due to injury earlier this season. The more Cherki plays, the better he is becoming, and the more dangerous Manchester City’s attack looks. Factor in the fact that Omar Marmoush hasn’t fired a shot this season, and the potential for the Manchester City attack to be lethal is high.
The Manchester City attack is evolving but the constant remains
What has stood out like a sore thumb in the past two matches for Manchester City is that their attack is becoming more dangerous. Dortmund and Bournemouth are quality sides, and Pep Guardiola’s side has cut both teams apart. When the players mentioned above play together more often, and certain players develop the consistency needed to become top-quality players, this City side will be a nightmare for their opponents to contain.
The constant in the Manchester City attack continues to fire.
Erling Haaland scored once again against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium last night. Haaland’s goal was well taken in typical Haaland fashion. Outside of his goals, Haaland’s overall performance was superb. He dropped deep to link up City’s possession play, and one surging run Haaland made showed how much his game is evolving. Erling Haaland has carried the City attack to begin this season. If his strong form continues and his teammates continue to build on their strong recent form, the mix in the City attack could be the ideal one for Pep Guardiola’s side to attack this season on all fronts.
Erling Haaland continues to torment Manchester City’s opponents which is a trend that shows no signs of fading. His teammates are starting to do their bit in the final third as well. It seems that City’s total package in the final third is coming together and that is a major positive as the 25/26 season begins to enter a key stage.