Manchester City have dominated their last two games with almost 60 shots across the two fixtures - but 'only' have six goals to show for it.
Manchester City set a new Champions League record on Tuesday night after recording an incredible 22 shots on goal in the first half against Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League. Yet the only goal of the game at the break came from the visitors.
Before examining why City have been so wasteful - if that is the right word - it's worth pointing out that Guardiola himself isn't concerned. He never is, as long as the chances are being created. Remember when he called the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest one of City's best performances of the season last year?
It's also worth remembering that City won both games by a two-goal margin, scoring three in each and recovering after half-time with goals 40 and 80 seconds into the second period to take control. It's not like they have been playing badly. "He [Guardiola] wasn’t angry after what he saw in the first half," said Rodri after Red Star. "He was a bit upset that we have to take the responsibility to score one of those key chances.
Haaland was unlucky to see a thumping header from six yards crash back off the bar against Red Star, while Phil Foden headed straight at Omri Glazer from five yards. The Red Star keeper faced 16 efforts on target and was key to keeping the score down - but then punched an Alvarez free kick into the back of his own goal, while Alvarez's first and Rodri's third were far from simple finishes. Once again, the team were stepping up as Haaland somehow does everything apart from score.
Guardiola said Alvarez is 'almost undroppable' after West Ham, which was followed up by two goals in the Champions League. His position behind Haaland has resulted in a goal or assist per game this season, with the 'number ten' position bringing out the best in the World Cup winner. His eight shots and seven chances created against Red Star saw him become only the third player on record to reach both figures in a single Champions League game after Karim Benzema and Arjen Robben.
There's Rodri as well, who is adding a goal threat to his range of skills and had five efforts against Red Star. It's not just Haaland missing chances, and it's a positive that City have had five different scorers over the two games. But for two inspired goalkeeping performances, Haaland would have probably picked up another match ball, and City would have scored more.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
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