Being the figurehead at Manchester City is taking a star game to another level
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Erling Haaland has become the figurehead at Manchester City. Haaland is one of the premier strikers in world football and one of the most recognisable figures in world sport. He is now firmly established as a leader for his team. What is also clear is that the extra responsibility that rests with Erling Haaland sits comfortably with him. He leads from the front for Manchester City. His performance in the second half of Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in trying circumstances at Old Trafford further emphasises Haaland’s standing at City.
Erling Haaland led from the front for Manchester City at Old Trafford.
In the first half of Sunday’s Manchester derby, Erling Haaland was subdued. The way the game played out in the opening 45 minutes didn’t suit Manchester City’s number nine and he didn’t look to be at his best. With City being reduced to ten men when Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute, that meant City needed Haaland to lift. That is exactly what occurred in the second half.
Erling Haaland, along with Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye, became City’s out ball. When Manchester City were forced to drop deep defensively, they always had the option of hitting up Haaland with the long ball. Haaland’s hold up play was superb, and he subsequently brought Enzo Fernandez, Iliman Ndiaye, and Antoine Semenyo into the game with his link-up play. Erling Haaland’s performance up top in a team down to ten men was superb. He also got his reward in the 60th minute.
It was clear how much victory in Sunday’s Manchester derby meant to Haaland and his teammates at the final whistle.
When the final whistle confirmed victory for Manchester City in the 199th Manchester derby, Haaland immediately crouched down and struck the floor in elation. City’s win over Manchester United was a big moment for Enzo Maresca’s side. Haaland and his teammates’ efforts secured a valuable three points for them. The win did feel like a big moment in the early development of Enzo Maresca’s team. Manchester City’s players celebrated long and hard with the travelling City support which capped off a fantastic day for Manchester City.
In a way, this Manchester City side is now Erling Haaland’s team. He has embraced being the figurehead for City. Haaland, alongside Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma, all led from the front at Old Trafford. Specifically, in the case of Erling Haaland, he is the face of a new-look City. He has risen to the heavy responsibility placed on his shoulders and at Old Trafford he did it with aplomb with a display that could be a precursor to bigger things to come from.
