The Erling Haaland tax does stand out in every game that Manchester City play | OneFootball

Given the goal-scoring prowess of Erling Haaland, it is no surprise to see defenders mark Manchester City’s top scorer tightly. If Haaland is allowed the freedom to move, he is the ultimate wrecking ball in the final third in the Premier League and in European football. Haaland’s goal-scoring ability, coupled with pace and power, makes him a nightmare for Manchester City’s opponents to contend with. Often, defenders are forced to use any measure necessary to try and contain Haaland.

In a way, an Erling Haaland tax is in effect. Defenders frequently manhandle Manchester City’s number nine, but when Haaland bites back, it is instantly called a foul by referees. This fact wasn’t lost on Pep Guardiola, as he pointed the issue out ahead of today’s Manchester derby in his press conference yesterday.

Pep Guardiola has pointed out that Erling Haaland is given no leeway by referees.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Pep Guardiola pointed out the double standard that applies in the way Erling Haaland is officiated. It wasn’t lost on Guardiola that defenders can manhandle Haaland, but the moment Haaland shows his strength, a foul is called. Speaking on the matter yesterday, in quotes relayed by ESPN, Pep Guardiola said: “He is the only striker in the world that makes more fouls than defenders do on him. That is his biggest attribute. That is really good. He is only the striker in my life that makes more fouls to defenders than defenders to him. I’ve never seen this. At the beginning of the season the referee said it would be the opposite. But it is the opposite of that, honestly.”

“Have you seen what happens in the boxes, not just with Man City? When there is pushes and holding? I don’t understand that [there] is never a foul every time. I don’t understand that every time Erling touches an opponent it’s a foul from Erling.”

The Haaland tax cannot be missed when Manchester City play.

Pep Guardiola has not been afraid to share his thoughts on VAR, or the referees this week. He called out the hypocrisy of VAR after Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. Now, he has pointed out the double standard that applies to how Haaland is officiated. The Erling Haaland tax, does stand out every time Haaland plays for Manchester City.

As mentioned above, how Haaland is defended is understandable given how dangerous he is as a player. Teams are desperate to contain Haaland by any means necessary. In a way, referees apply an Erling Haaland tax on him due to his strength and power. But the moment Haaland does anything, it is deemed a foul. It is a common occurrence in Manchester City’s matches, and while it is frustrating, it isn’t a phenomenon that will likely change anytime soon. Erling Haaland just overcomes it and scores goals. It is a credit to him that he doesn’t allow his frustration to take over, and he continues to do what he does best exceptionally well.

Pep Guardiola has now pointed out the absurdity of how Erling Haaland is officiated. This likely won’t change, but the fact that Guardiola felt compelled to call it out means it is something that is frustrating the Manchester City manager. Whether or not Guardiola’s words have any effect remains to be seen.