'No disrespect': Man City without Erling Haaland leaves talkSPORT presenter convinced they don't need him

By premiernews On Apr 29, 2024

Despite their sensational scoring record, Manchester City are a better team without Erling Haaland in the team.

That's according to talkSPORT. Jamie O'Hara – and statistics suggest he might be on to something.

Haaland has long been a reliable goalscorer for City since his signing in 2022.Credit: Getty

Since he signed for the treble winnersHaaland has scored an incredible 83 goals in 92 appearances in all competitions over two seasons.

He omitted from the city 4-0 victory However, against Brighton on Thursday and his dominant performance led O'Hara to ask his Sports Bar co-host Jason Cundy if they were better off without him.

“They're different, I wouldn't say better, just different,” Cundy said, but O'Hara responded: “They're better, they win.”

“They score, they flow freely and they listen, it is not a lack of respect towards Haaland because he is an incredible player, we know that.

“But Manchester City, at this moment, you have to look at the facts, they are a better team without him.”

Statistics show that this is a valid argument, even if Haaland is still considered one of the best players in world football.

In the 61 Premier League games they have played, City have won 41, drawn 11 and lost seven of them, with a winning percentage of 70.5.

However, Guardiola's team has won eight of the ten games they have played without him, raising their winning record to 80 percent.

talkSPORT's O'Hara has sided with the argument that they are better withoutCredit: talkSPORT

And statistics can help support this too.

His average goals scored has also improved: 2.4 are scored with him in the team compared to 2.5 when he does not play.

Furthermore, City take an average of 19.3 shots per game without Haaland, compared to 16.7 with him.

Mark Goldbridge believes Jurgen Klopp knows the Premier League title race is over for Liverpool, but the north London derby will be crucial for Arsenal to stop Manchester City's 'giant'.

Although there is a big difference in the number of matches, it shows that the reigning champions can still find a way to win in their absence.

Haaland is unlikely to repeat the 36 league goals he scored last year but remains top of the table this season with 20 alongside Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

And with five games left to playHe also has time to make an even bigger impact on the team as they chase a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.

City are second and are just one point behind leaders Arsenal, but will overtake them if they win their remaining game.

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