Erling Haaland is Manchester City’s primary penalty taker, according to Pep Guardiola, despite Riyad Mahrez scoring from the spot against Aston Villa.
Grealish Haaland on the field helped City win a penalty, but Mahrez took it instead.
Guardiola acknowledges Haaland is the chosen one.
WHAT OCCURED? For 90 minutes, City managed to mostly ignore the turmoil that had been swirling around the club due to the financial penalties the Premier League had imposed on them as they defeated Aston Villa 3-1. However, with the score at 2-0, Jack Grealish was awarded a penalty and, following some confusion, Mahrez was given the ball. He duly converted from 12 yards.
WHAT THEY SAID: Guardiola acknowledged that Haaland is still City’s go-to man from the spot in a postgame interview, although he didn’t exactly sound happy about the situation.
“Erling usually takes the first bite. I wanted that, but Rodri and Riyad tried to make it happen anyhow. I have no idea what transpired “the City manager informed the press. “We will speak with them tomorrow. I appreciate it when people want to commit penalties, but Erling is always the primary offender.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Prior to the penalty, Rodri seized possession of the ball from Mahrez and animatedly debated with Ilkay Gundogan who should take it. Although Haaland was also present, the Algerian was given the chance and didn’t disappoint his colleagues.
ARE YOU AWARE? Halaand has scored all four of his penalty penalties since coming in the summer and has missed only two in his career, despite City’s reputation for uneven performance from the spot under Guardiola.
WHAT COMETH THE CITY? Halaand might have been displeased that the penalty wasn’t called, and his annoyance might have increased when he was injured and replaced at halftime. The Norwegian has reportedly sustained a “huge knock,” according to Guardiola, which may prevent him from playing in this week’s top-of-the-table match between City and Arsenal.
