Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has blasted Erling Haaland for his timid performance against Arsenal on Sunday (Mar 31) during the title-decider clash. The Manchester City striker had a tough day in the field as he could barely create any chances for his side. 

Keane highlighted it wasn’t the first time that the Norwegian had struggled in big games, adding that his overall gameplay was comparable to a fourth-tier player. 

“The levels of his general play is so poor. Not just today, I think his laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be – in front of goal he’s the best in the world – but for his general play for such a player it is so poor,” Keane told Sky Sports. 

“He has to improve that. He’s almost like a League Two player, that’s the way I look at him. His general play has to improve, and it will do over the next few years,” Keane added. 

Despite breaking scoring records since his arrival in England last year, Haaland has largely remained a passenger in the blockbuster City side, coached by Pep Guardiola. 

The pundits largely agree that Haaland’s all-round play as a striker leaves a lot to be desired especially when big teams do not give him any space. Akin to the Arsenal match, Haaland was anonymous during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, last month. 

ALSO READ | ‘It’s not in our hands’: Guardiola on Premier League title race after Arsenal draw

Guardiola on title charge

During the post-match conference, Guardiola conceded that his treble-winning side was not the favourite to win the title but Liverpool with Arsenal on the second spot. 

Questioned if there were concerns that with only 27 points to play for, his team would fail to catch the two teams in front of him, the Man City boss gave a measured response. 

“It’s not in our hands. All we can do is think of Aston Villa [on Wednesday]. If you are top of the league – like we’ve been before – you are favourites,” he said. 

The much-hyped title decider between the two teams was a rather dull affair with both managers refusing to take the extra risk to secure the three points.

Meanwhile, Liverpool came from behind to secure a 2-1 win against Brighton at Anfield to end Matchweek-29 on top of the table. 

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