Erling Haaland, Manchester City's prolific striker, has hit a rough patch, scoring only one goal in his past eight games. This dip in form coincides with City's struggles in the Premier League and their surprising loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. Haaland's recent performance is a stark contrast to his remarkable 39 goals in 36 games this season. The Norwegian international has taken responsibility for his form, acknowledging the 'ridiculous amount of games' he has played. His goal drought has left City fans and managers questioning whether Haaland has been overworked.

Haaland's recent struggles are evident in his decreased attacking metrics. His shots per 90 minutes have dropped, and his expected goals (xG) have fallen significantly. This slump has coincided with injuries to key defenders like Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, which may have affected City's ability to transition the ball quickly. Guardiola's decision to rest Haaland sparingly has also come under scrutiny. The manager's reluctance to rotate his key players could be a factor in Haaland's fatigue and dip in performance.

With 16 league games remaining and potential finals in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League, Haaland's workload is set to increase. This raises questions about his fitness for the upcoming World Cup. Guardiola may need to reassess his rotation policy to ensure Haaland's peak performance. The return of players like Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo could provide much-needed support, reducing the pressure on Haaland. Former striker Chris Sutton believes Haaland will bounce back, suggesting that those who write him off do so at their peril.