Erling Haaland highlights exactly how Man City teammates have let him down vs Newcastle
Erling Haaland has been a major talking point as his spotty scoring record has only continued in recent weeks at Man City.
Despite notching 29 goals and six assists across all competitions ahead of the Newcastle United game on Saturday, 21 February, his powers have somehow been doubted.
Since the turn of the year, Haaland has blanked against the likes of Chelsea, Man United, Bodo/Glimt and, of course, the Magpies in the Carabao Cup.
However, he was on hand to deliver the perfect cross for Nico O'Reilly to head home his and Man City's second on the night, with the academy gem also smashing home the opener after just 14 minutes.
It was the ideal moment for the Norwegian international to show the kind of service he's been lacking.
Erling Haaland delivers pin-point cross for Nico O'Reilly
A lot has been made about Haaland this season.
When he scores, the Citizens depend too heavily on him. When his goal contributions dry up, there's a serious problem with his playing style.
The 25-year-old just can't win when it comes to impressing rival fans.
Pep Guardiola has never once doubted his impact on the team, though, and that is what is important, as City continue to battle Arsenal for the Premier League title.
While many others like to focus on his struggles in the final third, it should be highlighted that he often makes runs in behind, runs which aren't spotted, or the pass to him just isn't accurate enough.
Man City stars can still play to Haaland's strengths more
His cross for O'Reilly was simply sensational - lifting it into the heavens and directly onto his head.
That is exactly what Haaland needs inside the penalty area. With good enough service, his goals will rarely dry up, and he can keep rival fans silenced for even longer.
Of course, he does have his bad days at the office. Even Man City have questioned whether he's forgotten his shooting boots in different matches.
But even on his worst days, had a teammate fired that cross into him, it would have been impossible to miss.