Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland’s volley over the crossbar from almost on the line against Manchester United left former Red Devils captain Gary Neville in disbelief as the visitors took a 1-0 lead into the break at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
City spearhead Haaland, who struck five times in 56 minutes in a 6-2 FA Cup win at Luton Town on Tuesday, looked certain to score when Phil Foden nodded the ball down for him with the interval approaching – only for the home fans and manager Pep Guardiola to hold their heads in their hands after an astonishing miss by the player best-known for punishing teams inside the box.
“What have I just seen?” asked a perplexed Neville on Sky Sports. “Finally, Man City get perfection – apart from that.
“I cannot believe Erling Haaland has put that over the bar. Does he try to put it in to the top of the net? Does he try to be clever?
“He missed some chances against Chelsea [1-1 draw] a few weeks ago. Pep Guardiola can’t believe it.”
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Haaland has been relatively quiet by his remarkable standards since returning from injury in January, failing to score in five of his seven appearances across top-flight and Uefa Champions League matches.
The Norway talisman scored 52 times in 53 games in all competitions in his debut season for City in 2022/23, top-scoring in the Champions League with 12 goals and never going more than two Premier League matches without finding the net.
“I really can’t explain it”
Roy Keane on Erling Haaland’s miss 🫨 PIC.TWITTER.COM/CWY6FGFKKV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) MARCH 3, 2024
Guardiola has played down speculation from Spanish media that Haaland, who has 17 league goals in 2023/24, could be considering his future at the club and warned the 23-year-old’s critics not to question his ability to score.
City record scorer Sergio Aguero is the only player with a better record than Haaland’s five goals against United, striking in the derby eight times.
“That is one derby diamond!” 💎
Phil Foden with a ROCKET! 🚀 PIC.TWITTER.COM/EFTQ3W7MUC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) MARCH 3, 2024
There were no such problems in front of goal for Marcus Rashford when the United striker scored a sensational opener after eight minutes of the game.
Rashford hammered in a rocket from 25 yards to give his side, who are pursuing European qualification, a surprise lead against title-chasing City.
Phil Foden replied with a spectacular goal of his own from long range with 11 minutes of the second half elapsed.
Haaland and City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne started only their fourth game together this season, the Belgium midfielder having missed five months of the season following hamstring surgery.
