By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 13:56 GMT, 24 January 2026 | Updated: 13:57 GMT, 24 January 2026
MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City's starting lineup for the Premier League game against Wolverhampton on Saturday amid a slump in form.
The Norway striker, who was named on the bench, has only scored one goal in his last eight games in all competitions - and that was a penalty against Brighton in the league.
City manager Pep Guardiola made the big call on Haaland after two straight losses - to Manchester United in the league and Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League.
City has a crucial Champions League game at home to Galatasaray on Wednesday in its bid to secure direct qualification to the round of 16.
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Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Manchester City in Manchester, England, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's Erling Haaland, center, applauds the crowd after the Champions League soccer match between Bodo/Glimt and Manchester City in Bodo, Norway, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via AP)
Manchester City's Erling Haaland attends a training session in Bodo, Norway, Monday, Jan. 19, 2025, ahead the Champions League soccer match against Bodø/Glimt on Tuesday. (Fredrik Varfjell/NTB Scanpix via AP)