The failure to take their chances is destroying Manchester City’s confidence | OneFootball

As Manchester City slumped to a 4-nil defeat at the hands of Tottenham yesterday there were a host of issues with City’s play that were exposed. City’s frailties in their midfield and defence were laid bare. But in the final third, the failure of Pep Guardiola’s side to take their chances also cost them. Coming out of the game you do get the sense that their wastefulness in front of goal is killing Manchester City’s confidence. But the solution can’t solely be Erling Haaland finding the back of the net. He needs support and it just isn’t there at this stage of the season.

Erling Haaland isn’t above blame for squandering chances yesterday. He had several good opportunities before Tottenham took the lead through James Maddison in the 13th minute. He had several more throughout the game but it just wasn’t his day. Perhaps the game may have played out differently if he did take one of his early chances. But maybe it wouldn’t have as City’s other frailties can’t be masked over just by Haaland scoring goals. But his failure to score does affect Manchester City’s confidence. That is clear to see.

But there is another issue plaguing City’s play. Where is the support for Erling Haaland? It’s non existent at this stage of the season. Based on City’s recent games it’s Erling Haaland or bust for the world champions. That shouldn’t be the case with a squad as talented as Manchester City’s. But that is the facts of City’s recent poor form. The other problem is who can actually chip in with goals to take the burden off Haaland? That answer doesn’t exactly jump off the page at the moment either.

Usually it would be Phil Foden who helps ease the burden on Haaland. But he is well below his best at the moment. He was a non factor yesterday and has been in recent games. Manchester City need Foden to snap out of his funk. But the blame can’t solely fall on Foden’s shoulders either. Although he needs to lift as soon as possible for the world champions.

Savinho and Jeremy Doku are flashy players and at their best can be unplayable. But scoring goals isn’t their forte. Savinho had his moments yesterday but he is still yet to score this season. One particular moment late in the first half summed up Savinho’s wastefulness in front of goal. After a poor Pedro Porro header Savinho had the chance to get at Vicario in Tottenham’s goal. But he avoided any physical contact and the chance was lost. That moment stood out for me. A player in that position shouldn’t hesitate and Savinho did. That moment summed up Savinho’s game. He had some nice moments but in front of goal he doesn’t have any confidence.

Obviously Jeremy Doku missed yesterday’s game due to injury. That’s a common issue with the Belgian international. But he is a similar style of player to Savinho. He can dazzle and frustrate and scoring goals isn’t his speciality. But both players are young and may eventually acquire this skill. But that doesn’t help Manchester City right now.

So who else can help ease the burden on Haaland? Kevin De Bruyne could but he’s working his way back from injury. He showed in his cameo appearance last night that he is still City’s most creative player. Perhaps when he is fully fit everything will come to life for Manchester City. But De Bruyne is in the twilight years of his career and everything can’t fall on his shoulders. Nor should it.

Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva haven’t been prolific scorers throughout their City careers. It’s highly unlikely that they will add that to their game given their age. Ilkay Gundogan was but his legs look to be failing him. His mind is still sharp but his legs are not. That’s a problem as well.

The failure to take their chances is killing Manchester City’s confidence. That was obvious to see yesterday. But if can’t always fall on Erling Haaland to solve the issues. Yes he is the world’s best striker but he needs support. Where that comes from doesn’t jump out at you either. But what is apparent that the decision to sell Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid without signing a replacement was a poor one. As Manchester City squander chance after chance that is obvious to see. It needs rectifying but how it can be remains to be seen.