After the goal, he threw the ball to the opponent’s head, Slovan has two players on it. Which could work for Erling Haaland

When you are you are looking clip of the match between Arsenal and Manchester City a few days ago, you will understand who Slovan is facing in the Champions League. In the current context, it is Slovan against Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker is in vital form and is the best striker in the world. He scored ten goals in six league games, and the number of expected goals (xG) gave him six. He scored two consecutive hat-tricks. But it’s not just about that. Haaland is playing in a different way from last season.

It is more relaxed, active and aggressive. In the game with Arsenal after the equalizing goal in extra time walked ball to stopper Gabriel’s head. There is nothing wrong with the referees with the VAR system and then the Football Association (FA). they did not see.

Right from kick-off, he ran into Thomas Partey and literally knocked him down. After the game, he strongly told Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta to be more polite.

Haaland’s rise to knock Partey from the start in the 98th minute after City equalised. Bully. pic.twitter.com/Ju3TWp1JBj

– Adam Patel (@aadamp9) September 22, 2024

“He was amazing in the game and the completely un-football thing angered the Arsenal fans but the Manchester City fans loved it,” said David Mooney, a Manchester City journalist who also ‘ making the Blue Moon podcast, with Denník N.

It is at this time that Slovan Bratislava comes to the fore.

What can a Slav try?

Arsenal made a big mistake against Manchester City. In addition, if Erling Haaland plays against you, the mistake is only at the level of teenagers. Slav must avoid similar situations.

It was action from the start of the game: Savinho led the ball to the center of the field and passed Haaland between the central defenders. There was a big gap between them. The Norwegian received an accurate pass, directed the ball to the goalkeeper and scored.

Those opportunities are only given to him by teams that don’t do their tactical homework or whose defenders play a bad game.

“Haaland plays different football than Dortmund or Salzburg,” explained Mooney. “He has fewer chances to fight each other. Guardiola hates counter-attacks, so Haaland is often isolated and shut out of the game up front. Players like Kevin De Bruyne or Jack Grealish are in charge of creativity. That’s why Haaland doesn’t often touch the ball. “

In the Premier League this season, the Norwegian gets an average of 23 touches of the ball per game, a skilled 139. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé over 48 touches per game, Bayern’s Harry Kane 36 and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson around on 27

Haaland doesn’t play that often. However, statistics also say that every fourteenth touch with the ball results in a goal. Barney Ronay of the Guardian called him a minimalist striker.

“Slav could do the same thing