Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City are becoming overly reliant on Erling Haaland for goals after the striker continued his sensational scoring form in their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Haaland was once again the difference-maker, scoring both goals to send City temporarily top of the Premier League table. The Norwegian forward has now netted 23 times in just 13 appearances for club and country this season, underlining his status as one of the most lethal finishers in world football.
Despite being delighted with the striker’s contribution, Guardiola expressed concern that his side have become too dependent on their prolific number nine. The City boss urged his wingers and midfielders to share the goalscoring responsibility if they are to maintain a successful title challenge.
“Really pleased but we cannot rely on just him,” Guardiola said after the match. “We need other players — wingers, attacking midfielders — to step up and score goals. The chances are there, and they have to take them.”
Haaland has scored 11 of City’s 17 Premier League goals this season, a statistic that highlights just how crucial he has been to their attacking output. Guardiola believes that while the team is structured to create opportunities for Haaland, the others must also take their chances when they come.
“At this level, players have to demand more from themselves,” he added. “Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders all had chances — they have to score. Otherwise, we can’t achieve what we want to achieve.”
After a disappointing campaign last season, where City finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal and ended their run of four straight league titles, Guardiola’s men have rediscovered their rhythm. They are unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions, largely thanks to Haaland’s ruthless form in front of goal.
“Erling lives for scoring,” Guardiola concluded. “Our passing and delivery have improved, and right now, he’s our key man. But everyone needs to contribute that’s how we’ll reach our best level.”
