The honesty from Erling Haaland was refreshing to hear after City’s defeat to Aston Villa

It isn’t a profound statement to say that Erling Haaland wasn’t at his best during Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa yesterday. City’s number 9 was starved of service and couldn’t get into yesterday’s game. It was also the same story in last weekend’s Manchester derby. But when he spoke after yesterday’s match Haaland said his performances haven’t been good enough. It was refreshing to hear Haaland’s honesty although his poor recent displays have also been caused by his team’s poor performances and lack of creativity.

Speaking with Football on TNT Erling Haaland gave a harsh assessment on his recent performances. He said: “First I’m looking at myself, I haven’t been doing things good enough,” he admitted. I haven’t been scoring my chances and I have to do better, I haven’t been good enough.

Pep Guardiola disagrees with Erling Haaland’s assessment of his recent form but I believe that Haaland’s comments are a good sign.

Speaking after his team’s defeat at Villa Park Pep Guardiola disagreed with Haaland’s assessment of his performances. Guardiola believes his team must be better to create the chances Haaland needs to prosper. He explained: “I do not agree with him. Without him, we would be even worse, but I like it when the players feel that way. That’s the only chance we have to get even better. He needs to be delivered the ball in the right positions. We move forward and fight for the next one.”

First of all, Erling Haaland’s statement was refreshing to hear. From a Manchester City fan’s point of view, you’d rather hear Haaland put it on himself to get his form back on track. Haaland could’ve easily bemoaned the lack of service or blamed other factors on his lack of opportunities to score. But instead, he put it on himself to get back on track. That is a good sign in my book, and once City start creating chances again, I do expect Haaland to be back amongst the goals.

But for that to happen Manchester City must start creating the chances for Erling Haaland to prosper. Pep Guardiola’s assessment isn’t wide of the mark either. That has been evident in each of Manchester City’s past two matches. It is just one of a host issues that are currently plaguing Pep Guardiola’s side. But based on Erling Haaland’s comments after yesterday’s match he is determined to get himself and his team back on track.