Haaland leads the Premier League scoring charts, topping multiple statistical categories. Why is Manchester City's record so poor with 1 win and 2 losses?

The 2025-26 Premier League season has seen three rounds completed. Manchester City, having come up empty last season, are doing even worse this year, managing just 1 win and 2 losses in their initial three games, with their points tally trailing behind Manchester United. Contrasting sharply with City's disappointing form is their striker Haaland, who tops the Premier League scoring charts and leads in multiple offensive statistics.

According to Premier League data, Haaland's performance in the first three rounds includes14 shots, 5 shots on target, 3 goals, and an expected goals value of 3.86, all of which rank first in the Premier League, with 5 shots on target tied for the top spot.

Since joining Manchester City, Haaland has reached the milestone of 100 Premier League appearances, contributing 88 goals and 17 assists. His 88 goals have broken the record for the most goals scored by a player in their first 100 Premier League matches.

So the question arises, why is Manchester City struggling despite Haaland's strength? The reason is that Haaland currently consumes too much of the team's tactical focus. Take the 1-2 loss to Brighton as an example: as a center forward, Haaland lacks the ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal or to lay off headers, which allowed Brighton's high press to dominate City. In that match, Haaland had a one-on-one chance but passed it back; he had the most opportunities in the Premier League, so it's natural he leads in goals. However, Haaland's presence makes it difficult for City's front players to play effectively—wingers hesitate to cross, and Grealish's departure to Everton, where he quickly registered assists and goals, is proof of this. City's wingers and midfielders avoid crossing or delivering threatening passes to prevent turnovers because Haaland is best suited for counter-attacks. In attacking phases, he lacks the ability to receive, shield, carry the ball forward, or win aerial duels, resulting in a very one-dimensional and slow-paced attack. Although Haaland seems very strong, he is actually City's biggest tactical weakness. Guardiola's no-striker formations are more flexible and dynamic than playing Haaland as a number 9, allowing for more sustained attacks and better penetration against compact defenses.