There was a moment of redemption for Erling Haaland at Craven Cottage yesterday | OneFootball

Everyone saw Erling Haaland give up a penalty during Manchester City’s 1-nil FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. Haaland’s decision to let Omar Marmoush take City’s first half penalty at Wembley on that fateful day was perhaps the defining moment of that particular match. Dean Henderson saved Marmoush’s spot kick, and the rest is history.

From that moment onwards, there was a question mark that surrounded who would take Manchester City’s next penalty. That moment came yesterday at Craven Cottage. It was Erling Haaland who stepped up in the second half of Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Fulham to calmly dispatch a crucial spot kick during yesterday’s match. In a way, Haaland found a semblance of redemption for what happened at Wembley just over a week ago.

Erling Haaland needed to redeem himself for what occurred at Wembley.

After what occurred at Wembley, it did feel like Erling Haaland needed to redeem himself for what occurred at Wembley. The reason why he gave up such a crucial penalty in the FA Cup final has never been revealed. Perhaps it never will be. But it was a galling sight to see Erling Haaland defer to a teammate in such a key moment. Haaland is a player who generally thrives under pressure. That is part of what makes him such a great striker. But from that moment on, you did sense that Haaland would step up when his team needed him the most. He did just that yesterday at Craven Cottage.

Ilkay Gundogan earned Manchester City a penalty in the 70th minute of yesterday’s match. At the time, Manchester City had a 1-nil lead. Fulham was coming at Pep Guardiola’s side. It was Haaland who stepped up to take the crucial penalty. He sent Bernd Leno the wrong way to make it 2-nil in the 72nd minute. Haaland’s goal took the sting out of the game and ensured Manchester City’s place in next season’s Champions League. Haaland did his job, and perhaps the ghosts of Wembley went away with that spot kick.

The reaction of Erling Haaland’s teammates was telling.

As the Manchester City players celebrated Haaland’s goal,  their reaction was telling. They carried Haaland to the travelling Manchester City supporters to celebrate his goal. It was a telling moment. Perhaps it said it all after what Erling Haaland has been through since the FA Cup final. Perhaps it didn’t, but it was clear what that goal meant to the Manchester City players.

Erling Haaland had a moment of redemption at Craven Cottage yesterday. His goal put the game to bed and ensured that Manchester City would pick up the victory they needed yesterday. But looking ahead, perhaps Erling Haaland needed that moment for himself. The ghosts of Wembley are gone, and he can enter the summer with a clear head for what lies ahead at the Club World Cup and for next season.