Haaland Lets Rip After City’s Riviera Slip
Manchester City flew to the Riviera hunting a perfect two-from-two in Europe, but they’ve come home with a sore head and a stinging soundbite from Erling Haaland. A brace from the big Norwegian had them on course against one of Ligue 1’s sharpest sides, only for a late penalty to nick a 2-2 draw for Monaco and leave Pep Guardiola fuming at what might have been.
How it unraveled
City, buoyed by a 2-0 opening win over Napoli, struck first through Haaland with that familiar thud of inevitability. Monaco hit back through a superb equaliser from Jordan Teze, but the Norwegian hitman restored the advantage before the interval, bullying his way to a second and putting City in control.
After the break, though, the rhythm went missing. Monaco cranked up the tempo, City’s press softened, and the visitors started inviting trouble. The warning signs were there, and in the dying embers the door was left ajar.
The flashpoint
The deciding moment was as clumsy as it was costly. Nico Gonzalez went high with his boot, catching Eric Dier in the head. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Dier — ice-cold — stuck it past Gianluigi Donnarumma to level it late. By the letter of the law, you can’t really argue; it’s the sort of decision that feels soft until you see studs near a face.
Haaland’s verdict: blunt and brutal
Haaland fronted up post-match and he wasn’t in the mood for sugar-coating. He admitted it felt like a defeat, said standards slipped after half-time, and made it clear he’s not interested in personal records when the team drops points. He even shrugged off the “more touches” chatter — for him, the runs and decoys matter as much as the shots, and by his own admission he did his job in the first half, not the second.
On the penalty call, he didn’t make a scene: if you kick someone in the face, it’s a penalty — simple as. Anger, yes, but no excuses.
Pep’s puzzle and City’s lesson
This wasn’t about talent; it was about control. City were dominant when they played on the front foot. Once they eased off, Monaco grew, and the match swung. It’s the classic Champions League cautionary tale: you leave the back door open, someone’s nicking your points.
For the analysts, there’s a familiar theme: energy dip after the break, slower ball circulation, and less bite in the counter-press. Fix those and this tie looks routine. Don’t, and you give hope to good sides who don’t need a second invitation at this level.
The road ahead
The group is still in City’s hands, but perfection’s gone. Next up in Europe it’s Villarreal away later this month — never a gimme and exactly the sort of night where champions show their mettle.
For those eyeing the broader picture — from form to odds — our best betting sites guide has you covered. The bottom line: City must rediscover their second-half intensity and finish what they start.
Haaland’s fury tells you everything. Standards are sky-high at City, and rightly so. Two points slipped on the Riviera, a message sent in the mixed zone: not good enough. Expect a reaction.
