What angry Erling Haaland did after Sporting disaster shows what the problem is between Man City players and the manager
Manchester City suffered a disappointing Champions League loss to Sporting Lisbon, marking their first European defeat since April 2022 after a poor second-half performance. City initially looked dominant, taking an early lead thanks to Phil Foden’s goal and maintaining control throughout the first half. Despite their advantage, they failed to convert multiple opportunities, allowing Sporting to level the score on a swift counterattack finished by Viktor Gyokeres.
Just moments into the second half, Sporting seized control. Within 20 seconds, they shocked City by scoring a second goal, and shortly after, they won a penalty that Gyokeres confidently converted, putting City on the back foot. Gyokeres later added another goal, making the scoreline even more unfavorable for City. Erling Haaland had an opportunity to bring City back into the game with a penalty of their own, but his effort slammed against the crossbar, worsening City’s night in Lisbon.
Haaland’s Frustration at Full-Time
Erling Haaland has continued to find himself in goal-scoring positions but has been unable to convert as frequently. Recently, he achieved his second-highest expected goals figure for City in a match against Southampton, yet only managed one goal. Against Bournemouth, he was also active but couldn’t capitalize on his chances. This same trend followed him to Lisbon, where he had several clear-cut opportunities but couldn’t find the net.
The penalty miss was particularly disheartening. Awarded somewhat fortunately when City was trailing 3-1, Haaland seemed out of rhythm due to a delay, and his powerful shot struck the bar and went over. This miss added to his European penalty woes, raising questions about his consistency from the spot. Since his successful penalty against Southampton, Haaland has taken 17 shots, with eight on target but no goals to show from his last European attempts.
Throughout the game, Haaland appeared visibly frustrated, slamming the ball down at the center spot after each City goal conceded. His irritation was apparent when teammate Bernardo Silva prematurely took control of the ball before the penalty decision was finalized, a small moment that reflected the lack of cohesion in City’s attack on this night. After the final whistle, Haaland’s frustration was clear—he briefly applauded the City fans but then headed straight down the tunnel, avoiding prolonged interactions with players or staff.
Promising Signs from Simpson-Pusey
City’s young talent Jahmai Simpson-Pusey showcased glimpses of his potential on the big stage. The 19-year-old defender has rapidly advanced, going from lifting the FA Youth Cup in front of 20,000 fans at the Etihad to making his debut for the senior squad in intense atmospheres like the Estadio Jose Avalade. This recent experience saw him squaring off against the in-form Gyokeres, rumored to be a transfer target for Manchester United. Simpson-Pusey held his ground admirably, using his positioning to thwart a potentially dangerous break and doing his best to resist Gyokeres’ physicality, even though the Sporting striker eventually scored.
The second half was tougher for the young defender as City struggled as a team, but Simpson-Pusey continued to put in a solid effort, including a crucial tackle to prevent another Sporting counterattack. Though his debut was far from perfect, and he relied on guidance from senior defender Manu Akanji, Simpson-Pusey’s confidence has clearly grown since the summer tour, where he looked shaky at times. This match will likely strengthen him mentally, and he should be viewed as a bright prospect for the future rather than a reason for City’s defeat.
Noel Gallagher’s Thoughts on Guardiola’s Future
Music legend Noel Gallagher, a dedicated City fan, joined TNT Sports’ broadcast team and shared some insights into his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola. Gallagher, a close friend of Guardiola, mentioned that he often visits the manager after games, and offered his personal belief that Guardiola will stay for another year. Gallagher suggested that another year would allow City fans to reflect on Guardiola’s contributions and give him a proper farewell when the time comes.
According to Gallagher, the club’s leadership, particularly chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has likely already considered succession planning. While there’s a growing sense that the end of Guardiola’s era at City is nearing, Gallagher emphasized that the fans are prepared to celebrate Guardiola’s achievements whenever he decides to step down. Gallagher hopes Guardiola’s departure won’t come as a sudden farewell at season’s end, and he believes the fans will appreciate having the time to give the manager a fitting send-off that recognizes his impact on both the club and the Premier League as a whole.
