- Martin Tyler believes Pep Guardiola’s tactics at Man City are not appealing
- Tyler used a baffling Haaland statistic to prove his point about Guardiola’s side
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Legendary commentator Martin Tyler described Manchester City‘s tactics as ‘no way to play football’ amid Erling Haaland‘s lack of general involvement against Chelsea.
Haaland was on the scoresheet for City in their 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday as Pep Guardiola‘s side got their quest for a fifth-straight league title off to the perfect start.
Although he made a valuable contribution, Haaland was rarely involved with City’s interplay with the ball.
In fact, the Norwegian marksman completed just three passes, the fewest amount completed by a player in 90 minutes for a Guardiola-coached team.
The staggering statistic left Tyler perplexed.
Legendary football commentator Martin Tyler isn’t a fan of Manchester City’s tactics
Tyler pointed out Erling Haaland’s lack of general involvement in City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea
Pep Guardiola has his Manchester City side incredibly well drilled, but Tyler doesn’t like it
‘The most prolific goal scorer in the Premier League at the moment – 91 goals in 100 appearances now – played a game on Sunday,’ Tyler told The Football Authorities podcast.
‘He had one touch of the ball between the 18th and the 52nd minute, completed three passes throughout the game, one dribble, one goal.’
Co-host Clive Tyldesley asked Tyler if the new type of strikers are ‘somebody who doesn’t see a great deal of the ball’.
Tyler replied: ‘Haaland, he’s such a good player and he gets so few touches because of the way Manchester City play. I don’t know how he manages on this. The goals and the medals and the money all make it work – but it’s no way to play football.’
Although Tyler may have gripes with Guardiola’s style of play, there can be no denying it has been immensely successful as the Spaniard has delivered a remarkable 18 trophies to the Etihad since his arrival in July 2016.
However, Haaland himself is aware he must contribute more to City’s overall play than just goals.
‘I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants,’ Haaland told Sky Sports after the win over Chelsea.
‘But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question.
Haaland was on the scoresheet but completed only three passes against Chelsea last Sunday
Pep Guardiola has issued Erling Haaland with a challenge to improve his all-round game
‘I want to get more assists and become a better player.’
Guardiola also had special praise for Haaland after the match and felt a summer without any international football has done the striker a world of good.
‘I had the feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage,’ Guardiola said.
‘Always he felt tired but with the Euros not being there, he is rested and feels good. The goal was magnificent.’
