Erling Haaland’s penalty sums up everything off about Manchester City

During the first five minutes of the second half of Manchester City’s 1-all draw with Everton Pep Guardiola’s side had upped the ante. There was an edge and an intensity to City’s play as they looked to take the lead in yesterday’s Premier League fixture at the Etihad. It all led to a penalty that Savinho won as he was fouled by Vitalii Mykolenko in the 49th minute. Erling Haaland’s spot kick was saved by Jordan Pickford. That one moment sums up everything currently going wrong for Manchester City.

When Erling Haaland and Manchester City are at their best there is an edge of confidence in their play. For the opening half hour and just after halftime, it was on display. But once Everton equalised in the 36th minute through Iliman N’Diaye Manchester City’s doubt crept back in. When you’ve only won once in thirteen games now that is a natural reaction. But Erling Haaland’s penalty miss was the perfect encapsulation of everything that is off with Pep Guardiola’s side.

At his best, there is little doubt that Haaland would coolly dispatch a penalty. We have seen that time and time again during his time at Manchester City. But this is a different City side than the one we’ve been accustomed to seeing. It is plagued by low confidence and errors. Eventually the worm will turn for Pep Guardiola’s side but when that will be is anyone’s guess.

Erling Haaland’s penalty which was saved by Jordan Pickford was a moment that summed up everything that is going wrong for Manchester City. Unfortunately that is the way it has gone for the Premier League champions over their past thirteen games.