No Haaland goal? Man City asked about Plan B

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester City’s reliance on Erling Haaland came under renewed focus after the Premier League champions’ 2-1 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday, a match in which the Norway striker failed to score despite entering the weekend with 14 league goals this season.

Haaland, who remains on 99 Premier League goals overall, drew a blank at St. James’ Park as City struggled to convert chances. The defeat prompted questions about the club’s attacking alternatives should the 23-year-old suffer a dip in form or a spell on the sidelines.

Former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports the champions must find additional scoring outlets, noting that eight City players have scored in the league this season but none more than once. “Haaland is scoring all the goals. They’re reliant on Haaland,” Richards said. “Who else is going to step up?”

Richards highlighted the recent strong form of Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku but insisted City lacked decisive contributions in key moments against Newcastle. “It’s not just about playing well, it’s about moments,” he said. “Newcastle took their chances and City didn’t.”

Haaland has 16 matches remaining this season to surpass Alan Shearer’s long-standing record as the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.

Richards also pointed to concerns in midfield, particularly regarding the deployment of Rayan Cherki in an advanced role while Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri were absent. He argued that City lost defensive balance and energy in central areas, especially away from home. “Cherki isn’t a defensive player. He needs to be as far forward as possible,” Richards said. “When you go away to St. James’, and they’ve got a robust midfield three, you’re losing protection.”

City’s shifting formations have also drawn scrutiny, with defenders pushed into unconventional roles and the team’s pressing intensity fluctuating. “They want to go high, but they don’t have the pressing and the energy they used to have,” Richards added.

The loss leaves City examining their structural issues at both ends of the pitch as they enter a congested phase of the season. The performance is likely to intensify debate about squad depth, tactical balance and the need for secondary goal scorers to support Haaland as the champions chase another title.