Haaland Still Not At His Best

Despite scoring twice in Manchester City’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Leeds United on Wednesday, Pep Guardiola has asserted that Erling Haaland is still not at his best following his injury.

Despite Pascal Struijk’s late header for Leeds, the outcome was never in doubt thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland in the second half after Rodri had given City the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Since joining City in the summer from Dortmund, Norwegian attacker Haaland has scored 26 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including 20 in 14 Premier League games.

He misses chances, but the stats are remarkable, according to Guardiola, whose team moved back up to second and cut the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points.

“He’s an incredible threat for us and always in the right position at the right time, really good”, Pep Guardiola added.

“I think he is still not at his best because of the injury, to move his huge body is not easy for him, but as much as he can play minutes, (he) will be better.”

Guardiola claimed that Haaland, who transferred to City from Borussia Dortmund in June for £52.1 million, is still recovering from a foot injury sustained during his team’s goalless Champions League tie with his old team in October.

“I have the feeling he is not at his best,” the coach added. “It is a matter of time. Always an incredible threat to the opponent.

“Of course we are delighted, but with that little (bit of extra) pace he had at the beginning of the season, he struggles a little bit.

“I am still more than satisfied, but in the first part of the season, he was sharper. He is getting better, an incredible professional. He takes care of his body and mind.”