Could This Be Arsenal or Liverpool's Year? Haaland's Work Rate Under Scrutiny as Man City Faces Challenges

As the Premier League season unfolds, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has raised questions about Manchester City's dominance, suggesting that this might be the year for Arsenal or Liverpool to claim the title. He has noted that City's effectiveness appears to have waned, particularly regarding their pressing game and the work rate of their star forward, Erling Haaland.

City Not as Dominant

Hasselbaink believes that City, while still at the top of the league, are not performing at the same level as in previous seasons. He remarked, “I don’t think they’re as good as some of the City teams we’ve seen in previous seasons.” His comments were triggered by City's recent performances, including a match against Fulham where he felt City struggled to reclaim possession quickly, which was a hallmark of their previous teams under Pep Guardiola.

Haaland’s Pressing Concerns

A focal point of Hasselbaink's critique was Haaland's work rate, specifically his lack of pressing. The striker's renowned goal-scoring ability has made him a key asset for City, but his tendency to conserve energy off the ball has been viewed as a liability in the context of City's pressing strategy. "I think it’s the latter [they have become worse] because they’ve got Haaland, and Haaland doesn’t press as much,” Hasselbaink explained.

Challenges Ahead for City

Despite sitting atop the Premier League table, City faces a series of challenging fixtures ahead, including matches against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United. Hasselbaink highlighted the importance for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool to capitalize on any potential slip-ups from City. He said, “If you’re competing against them, you need to be ready to take advantage of any slip-ups."

The Bigger Picture

While there are questions about City’s form and Haaland’s work rate, it's important to note that they remain a formidable team under Guardiola's management. They currently hold a slim lead over Liverpool in the standings and are aiming for their fifth consecutive Premier League title, a feat that would further cement their status as a dominant force in English football.

Upcoming Matches

City's next test comes against Bournemouth this Saturday, where they will look to extend their lead at the top of the table. As the season progresses, both Arsenal and Liverpool will be eager to capitalize on any vulnerabilities shown by the reigning champions, making for an exciting race for the title.