Haaland urges Manchester City to sharpen attack after Aston Villa setback

Erling Haaland says Manchester City must improve their wing play and finishing after falling to a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Manchester City were beaten by the home side at Villa Park on Saturday in the eighth round of the Premier League, in a game that exposed weaknesses in a team accustomed to controlling its opponents.

Haaland said the wide players needed to develop a clearer understanding of when to attack and when to retain possession.

“We need to prepare the wings, and then the wingers need to know when to make their runs and when to keep the ball,” he said, according to Tribuna.

The Norway striker rejected the idea that Manchester City’s defeat was simply down to bad luck, despite pointing to several opportunities created during the match.

“I honestly think we did some good things, do not misunderstand me,” Haaland said. “We had chances. Look at Gvardiol in the second half. I had some headers, and in the first half Ndiaye also hit a shot that came back off the post.”

Haaland said Manchester City’s priority was to become more accurate in front of goal and make their chances count.

“It is not bad luck, but we have to be more precise and put the ball in the net because that is what you have to do in football matches,” he added.