Erling Haaland’s Goal Drought Raises Questions at Manchester City

Erling Haaland has rarely looked human since arriving at Manchester City. Goals flowed almost every game, defenders were left chasing shadows, and records fell with frightening regularity. Yet right now, the Norwegian striker is living through one of the most difficult stretches of his career in England, and Pep Guardiola has already warned that fatigue is playing a major role.

One goal in seven matches is not the return City fans are used to. Haaland had 25 goals in 23 games just a month ago, a strike rate that underlined his reputation as the most lethal forward in Europe. Suddenly, the rhythm has broken. Matches are passing without his name on the scoresheet, and the sight of him leaving the pitch frustrated has become strangely familiar.

Guardiola has not hidden his concern. After the League Cup win over Newcastle, he admitted Haaland looked “exhausted” and hinted that the player needed rest. That assessment was reinforced in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, where Haaland struggled to impose himself and was substituted late on. For a striker who thrives on sharp movements and instinctive finishing, the drop in energy has been obvious.

The numbers tell the story. Six shots on target in seven games, three of them coming in one match against Brighton, where his only goal arrived from the penalty spot. Against Forest, Newcastle, and United, he failed to test the goalkeeper at all. For someone who built his reputation on relentless efficiency, this is a slump that feels out of character.

Manchester City’s form has mirrored their striker’s struggles. Three wins, three draws, and a defeat in the same period have left them seven points adrift of Arsenal, who continue to set the pace in the Premier League. Without Haaland firing, City’s attack has lost its edge, and the pressure is mounting as the season heads into its decisive months.

There is hope that relief is coming. The return of Marmoush from the Africa Cup of Nations should allow Guardiola to rotate more freely and give Haaland the rest he needs. Whether that respite arrives in time to reignite the title race remains uncertain. City may have to turn their focus toward domestic cups and the Champions League, competitions where Haaland’s goals could still make the difference.

For now, the story is not about records or hat-tricks. It is about a striker learning to fight through fatigue, a team adjusting to life without his constant scoring, and a manager searching for solutions. Haaland’s drought may be temporary, but it has already reshaped the narrative of Manchester City’s season.