Norwegian media are right about Erling Haaland, Man City star looks distracted and off-key

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland uncharacteristically missed several chances as Norway lost 2-1 to Portugal on Sunday.

The striker scored the equaliser after Joao Felix's opener, but could have had a hat-trick as Goncalo Ramos' winner saw the visitors leave with three points in the Nations League.

There has been some suggestion that Man City players have been distracted in recent days following news that the club have been found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly made mistakes as England lost 3-2 to Spain on Saturday, and Haaland was certainly off his usual pace on Sunday.

The 26-year-old has started the season exceptionally well, and has scored 10 goals across his last seven games across all competitions.

Regardless of the reasons, Enzo Maresca will be glad that his striker's off-game has come on the international stage, rather than back at Man City.

Norway media surprised by Erling Haaland display

The goal Haaland did score was one typical of him - Martin Odegaard's free-kick was saved by Diogo Costa and headed across by Patrick Berg, leaving the striker to tap home.

But that should not have been his last goal of the night, with several more chances falling his way that he would usually be expected to gobble up.

One saw Haaland given the freedom of the box to strike a volley across the goalkeeper, but he got it wrong and struck a tame effort straight at Costa.

Another chance fell to the striker when the Portugal goalkeeper parried a cross into his path, but his poke towards goal was well blocked by Man City teammate Ruben Dias.

All in all, Haaland took a staggering eight shots, scoring once from a massive 2.4 expected goals on target (xGOT).

The Norway international missed three big chances but did provide an all-round game, winning six duels and making several defensive contributions.

Norwegian outlet NRK gave him a six out of 10 for his efforts and wrote: "Needs five chances before things get going tonight. Scores again, but on a normal Haaland day he would have scored one or two more. Lasts 90 minutes, which is very positive."

Haaland murmurs growing in noise

It is unclear exactly what will happen to Man City if their appeals against the 114 charges prove unsuccessful.

There is a growing suspicion that a hefty points deduction is on the way, with anything in the region of 45 points certain to relegate the Citizens.

In the Championship, Man City would seriously struggle to keep hold of the likes of Haaland, who would surely demand a move away.

Should the Norwegian become available, he will have his pick of every top club in Europe.