Haaland Reflects on Challenging Match Against Brentford and Analyzes Stoke City's Historic Tactics In a recent interview, Haaland delves into the demanding matchup against Brentford, highlighting key moments and strategies that defined the game. He provides insights into the competitive atmosphere and discusses the lessons learned from the encounter. Additionally, Haaland examines the historic tactics employed by Stoke City, offering a unique perspective on their gameplay and how it has...
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In a match marked by physical intensity, Erling Haaland netted the decisive goal, guiding Manchester City to a narrow victory over Brentford. After the match, the Norwegian striker discussed the challenges posed by Brentford’s playing style, likening it to the notorious tactics of Stoke City during the management of Tony Pulis.
Haaland’s first-half goal not only secured three crucial points for City but also underscored the game’s physical demands. Speaking to Sky Sports, he noted, “It was a tough game, and reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago!”
Brentford’s physical approach
Throughout the match, Brentford’s strategy was evident as they employed a strong defensive setup, often surrounding City’s attacking threats with five players. Haaland acknowledged the difficulty of penetrating such a defensive wall, stating, “A low block is not easy – five people around us at all times.
It is why it is not easy and why it feels even better.”
The comparison to Stoke City is particularly relevant, as the team became known for their long throw-ins, especially those executed by Rory Delap. Under Pulis, these throw-ins evolved into a dangerous tactic, catching many defenses off guard. Delap’s throws could reach impressive distances, reportedly measuring up to 40 meters and traveling at speeds nearing 50 mph.
Historical context of long throw-ins
Delap’s unique throwing ability earned acclaim from various football figures. David Moyes likened them to a “human sling,” while Sam Allardyce called the tactic “the best Scud missile I have ever seen.” Even Chelsea’s former manager Luis Felipe Scolari expressed his astonishment, stating, “I have never seen anything like this in my life.” Delap’s long throw-ins directly contributed to 24 goals in the Premier League and an additional eight in the Championship, illustrating the effectiveness of this strategy.
Haaland’s impressive form
Despite the challenges posed by Brentford’s tactics, Haaland continued to display his remarkable scoring ability. With nine goals in his last seven Premier League appearances and a total of 12 across all competitions, he is enjoying a prolific season. After the match, he remarked, “I have never felt better than I do now.”
The striker emphasized the importance of both physical and mental preparation for matches, stating, “You can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready.” He also credited the joys of fatherhood for helping him maintain a balanced mindset, indicating that time spent with his son allows him to disconnect from football-related stress.
Confrontation with Brentford’s defense
Reflecting on the physical tussle with Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg, Haaland expressed satisfaction with his performance. He recounted, “First five minutes he kept on pushing me so I was thinking alright, let’s have it!” This competitive spirit fueled his determination, demonstrating how physical encounters can motivate players to elevate their game. He added, “This goal is top for me. This was one of my better goals because of the whole thing.”
Following the match, Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola shared a light-hearted moment of celebration, highlighting the camaraderie within the team. With this recent victory, Manchester City finds itself in a promising position, just three points shy of league leaders Arsenal. As they prepare for their next encounter against Everton, another physically demanding challenge awaits at the Etihad Stadium.
