Here’s a bold statement: Manchester City’s success this season might be teetering on a dangerous edge, and it’s all because of their over-reliance on one man—Erling Haaland. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a recipe for long-term triumph, or are they setting themselves up for a potential downfall? Let’s dive in.
On October 18, 2025, Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back when he addressed his squad’s dependency on the Norwegian striker. Haaland had just single-handedly secured a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium, scoring his 10th and 11th Premier League goals of the season. While his brilliance is undeniable—and let’s be honest, he’s the best striker in the game right now—Guardiola raised a critical point: Can City truly thrive if their goalscoring burden rests solely on Haaland’s shoulders?
The match against Everton highlighted this issue perfectly. After a first half filled with missed opportunities, Haaland stepped in during the second half to save the day. Yet, Guardiola wasn’t celebrating—he was concerned. “He [Haaland] could have scored four or five at the end. He’s our key man,” Guardiola admitted. “But we cannot rely on just Erling. Our wingers, attacking midfielders, and other players need to step up.”
And this is the part most people miss: While Haaland has already bagged 11 league goals, no other City player has managed more than one this season. That’s a staggering imbalance. Guardiola specifically called out Savinho, Jérémy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders for squandering clear-cut chances against Everton. “The chances we create are so clear,” he said. “They have to score. Savinho had two, Jeremy had two, Tijjani had another—at this level, those chances must be converted.”
Guardiola’s frustration is clear: City’s attacking prowess isn’t the issue; it’s the finishing. “We have to score more,” he emphasized. “If we don’t create, that’s one thing, but when we create, we must capitalize. They know it. We’ve talked about it for a long time. They finish well in training, so why not in matches?”
Here’s the controversial question: Is Guardiola’s concern justified, or is he overreacting? After all, Haaland’s consistency has kept City at the top. But what happens if he hits a dry spell or, worse, gets injured? Can the rest of the squad step up, or will City’s season crumble under the pressure? Let’s spark a debate—do you think City’s reliance on Haaland is a sustainable strategy, or are they playing with fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
