Manchester City is facing scrutiny regarding their contingency plan if Erling Haaland fails to score.
The striker was unable to find the back of the net during City’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle on Saturday at St. James’ Park.
Haaland has netted 14 Premier League goals this season, and while eight of his teammates have each scored once, none have scored more than that.
“Haaland is the one scoring all the goals. Their reliance on him is evident,” remarked former City defender Micah Richards during a discussion with Sky Sports.
“They had opportunities, but Haaland missed a few. Who else can rise to the occasion?”
“Phil Foden has been performing well, and Jérémy Doku is also in form, but when the critical moments arrive, they fell short.”
“What if Haaland gets injured? What if he is not in top scoring form?”
“Foden needs to step up, as does Doku.”
“It’s not just about performing well; it’s about seizing your moments. I don’t believe Newcastle was significantly better; they just took their chances while City did not.”
Haaland sits at 99 Premier League goals, with 16 additional matches on the schedule to surpass Alan Shearer’s record for the quickest player to reach 100 goals.
Richards also highlighted another concern for Pep Guardiola regarding Rayan Cherki.
“City created numerous chances, but Newcastle did as well,” Richards added.
“I have concerns. Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri weren’t playing. They were so impressive against Liverpool at home, controlling the ball.”
“However, on the road at St. James’ with Cherki in the lineup? If he doesn’t deliver the same impact he had against Liverpool—being proactive, making early plays—and the team fails to capitalize…”
“He is not a defensive player; Cherki needs to be positioned as far forward as possible as he’s fantastic in possession.”
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“Yet, when you visit a place like St. James’ and face a more physical midfield three, you tend to lose energy in midfield.”
“They seem to be caught between multiple formations. They aim to apply pressure, but they lack the energy and pressing ability they once had.”
“Once the midfield line is breached, it falls to the defenders, and midfielders are pushed back to full-back positions. Nico O’Reilly drifts inside, leading to a loss of protection.”