Erling Haaland failure shocks in Man City collapse at PSG
Erling Haaland caused disbelief for his poor contribution as Man City fell apart on the way to defeat to PSG in the Champions League, for Ally McCoist.
After a goalless first half in which Phil Foden scuffed one of the Premier League champions’ only chances after some excellent work from Savinho, the second half proved to be a remarkable one in Paris.
Goals from substitute Jack Grealish and Haaland looked to have put Pep Guardiola’s side in control, only for Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola to haul the hosts level by the hour-mark.
That put PSG in the ascendency as they began to pile the pressure on Man City, and they went close to taking the lead when Dembele rattled the crossbar shortly later.
It was a move that had started when a long ball forward from goalkeeper Ederson was not won in the air by Haaland, allowing Luis Enrique’s side to mount their attack.
Speaking on TNT Sports commentary, McCoist was stunned by the part Haaland played in that incident, as he reacted by exclaiming (9:26pm): “It all comes from a kick from Ederson. He knocks it into space. I can’t believe Haaland doesn’t try and get in front to defend it and protect the ball. That was all too easy.
“There’s been some brilliant play from Paris, there really has, but that was basic poor defending from City in a dangerous area.”
Erling Haaland had frustrating moment for Man City vs PSG
Football Insider Verdict
This is unlikely to be a moment that Haaland will want to remember from this Champions League clash in Paris.
The striker had made a big contribution earlier in the game with his goal, a reminder of why Man City have just handed him a bumper new nine-and-a-half-year contract.
With his physical presence though, he is also more than capable of competing in situations such as this, and they are ones you expect him to relish.
He will therefore have been relieved to see Dembele hit the crossbar rather than the back of the net at the end of a move.
Even so, goals from Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos to claim a 4-2 win meant this was only a temporary let off for Haaland and Man City.
The 24-year-old and his teammates therefore now need to step up hugely in their final Champions League group phase game against Club Brugge next week if they want to stay in the competition.
In other news, Man City-bound Omar Marmoush has sent a farewell message as a deal moves closer.
For more Man City news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.