Is Mikel Arteta a kn*b? And does Erling Haaland need to make more effort?

Mikel Arteta splits opinion in the Mailbox, but we open with a question about whether Erling Haaland should be doing more for Man City.

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It’s Haal on Erling for Man City

Today, football commentator Mark Goldbridge made an interesting point regarding Erling Haaland. Goldbridge predicted Haaland would win the Player Of The Year Award and why he would find this disappointing. Goldbridges rationale was simple – best team in the world buys best striker in the world and the subsequent goal fest is hardly a surprise.

Goldbridge did not diminish Haaland in any way and defined him as world class. However, his preference for POTY would be Odegaard, Casimero or Guimaraes as they drove their teams and dictated play. The comments reminded me why I have found myself less and less excited by Haaland.

Like Goldbridge I would define Haaland as world class and I argued pre-season he would tear Premier League records apart. I was excited for his PL arrival, marveled at his athleticism and goal scoring prowess. But as each week has passed his abject indifference to be involved in any thing but a goal scoring opportunity, has seen my enthusiasm ebb. To watch a physical specimen such as Haaland seldom attempt to dispossess an opposing player a yard or two away began grating a few months ago, and now it truly bugs, regardless of hat-tricks.