Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says a recent decline in form is not all about Erling Haaland but it would certainly be a big help if the Norwegian could rediscover his scoring touch.
Haaland has scored goals so regularly since his arrival at City, it seems bizarre to talk about a goal drought.
But one goal in six matches and four in 11 since he bagged the winner against Southampton on 26 October, since when City have managed a single victory, is, relatively speaking, exactly what it is.
Guardiola is right when he says a lot of little things, and a few big ones, are contributing to his side’s form collapse.
But arguably Haaland’s barren run falls into the latter category.
City have created a lot of chances at points in their present run and not taken them. An extra goal here and there would make all the difference.
City have scored three times in their last two home games against Everton. Haaland has got them all.
How Guardiola needs the striker to find the net again on Boxing Day.
