New data shows Manchester City depend on Erling Haaland for nearly two-thirds of their Premier League goals, raising concerns about their attacking balance compared to Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces.
Manchester City’s attacking strength appears increasingly tied to Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring exploits have accounted for 65 percent of the club’s Premier League goals this season, according to football statistics site Squawka.
The Norwegian striker has netted 11 times in nine league appearances and 15 in 12 across all competitions, underscoring his dominance in Pep Guardiola’s system. “Haaland’s goals account for almost two thirds of the goals scored by Pep Guardiola’s side in the league so far this season,” Squawka reported.
City’s reliance on the 25-year-old has sparked debate over whether the reigning champions have become too dependent on one player, especially after struggling in a recent defeat to Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have scored 56 percent of their goals from set pieces, according to WhoScored, prompting similar concerns about predictability in attack. With Viktor Gyokeres managing just three league goals so far, the Gunners lack a consistent finisher.
As both teams contend for the Premier League title, their overreliance on specific attacking patterns could shape not only the domestic race but also their Champions League ambitions.