Erling Haaland: Manchester City striker admits he 'hasn't been good enough' after Aston Villa defeat

Manchester City suffered a ninth loss in 12 games when they were beaten 2-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday; Erling Haaland had one touch in the opposition area in 90 minutes against Villa

Saturday 21 December 2024 16:42, UK

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has admitted his form hasn't been good enough after his side were beaten 2-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Defeat at Villa Park ensured Villa slumped to a sixth defeat in eight Premier League games, moving Pep Guardiola's side down to sixth in the league, nine points behind title rivals Liverpool, who also have two games in hand. The Premier League champions have now also recorded their ninth loss in 12 games across all competitions.

While the points have dried up for City, Haaland has failed to score in each of his last three games. The Norway striker has found the back of the net once in his last six games in all competitions.

The two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner's struggles in front of goal were further highlighted as he only managed one touch in the opposition area against Villa.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Haaland gave an honest assessment of his performance and admitted it's difficult to find confidence.

"First I'm looking at myself, I haven't been doing things good enough," he said.

"I haven't been scoring my chances so I have to do better. A lot of it is on me and I haven't been good enough. Of course, [confidence is] not the best. We know how important confidence is and you can see that it affects every human being. That is how it is, we have to continue and stay positive even though it is difficult."

Haaland's boss, Pep Guardiola is suffering from his worst run ever as manager, however, City's No 9 maintains faith that he will turn things around.

"He will find the solutions," Haaland said.

"He won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we will never forget that. We still believe in him, we have to work harder than ever right now."

Guardiola was asked about Haaland's comments during his post-match press conference but disagrees with his striker's comments.

"Without him, we would be even worse," Guardiola said.

"I don't agree with him but I like players to feel this way it's the only chance that we have to get better. There are two options [to be self-critical], the other is to blame those by your side. That depends on them.

"We tried but in the end, he needs to be delivered the right balls in the right positions."