Haaland’s rare penalty miss highlights Manchester City’s struggles | OneFootball

Manchester City’s ongoing slump was encapsulated by Erling Braut Haaland’s missed penalty in their 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Once the most feared finisher in the Premier League, Haaland’s tame effort symbolised a team far removed from their usual ruthlessness.

Haaland stepped up in the second half with a chance to secure three points but was denied by Jordan Pickford, Everton’s penalty-saving expert.

It was only the second miss from the spot in Haaland’s Premier League career, yet it carried far greater significance. City’s recent struggles have cast doubt over their form, and this moment underlined their sharp decline.

Pep Guardiola, defiant in his post-match comments, praised his team’s performance. “Life is not easy – sport is not easy,” he said. “We played well and created chances.”

Despite his bullishness, the reality of City’s situation is stark. They have won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions, a shocking drop-off for a side that once seemed unbeatable.

Haaland’s early-season dominance has also faded. After netting 10 goals in his first five games, he has managed just three in his last 13 outings.

His conversion rate has plummeted, with missed opportunities increasingly common in a team that relies heavily on his firepower.

However, the penalty miss was not simply a case of poor execution. It represented the mental fragility creeping into a side known for their unshakable confidence.

During the VAR check that preceded the spot-kick, Everton captain Seamus Coleman engaged in psychological games, earning a yellow card for his efforts. Pickford also unsettled Haaland, and it worked. The save was met with joy from the travelling supporters as City’s frustrations grew. Haaland’s disallowed header minutes later only added to the Etihad’s subdued atmosphere.

Once a fortress, it now feels like a ground full of uncertainty.

Haaland ripped off his shirt and stormed down the tunnel at full-time, his frustration mirroring the collective mood of the team.

Guardiola stood motionless on the pitch, visibly searching for answers to a crisis that has taken hold. The issue is not just physical but psychological for City. Haaland’s penalty miss was more than a rare mistake – it was a moment that highlighted the team’s broader struggles.

Until they regain their composure and precision, these lapses will continue to haunt them.