Erling Haaland records unfancy stat after Chelsea masterplan shackles Norwegian

Erling Haaland wasn't on song for Manchester City against Chelsea despite having chances to kill off the Blues at home.

Erling Haaland endured a frustrating evening in front of goal as the Premier League’s deadliest marksman was kept at bay by visitors Chelsea. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Haaland fired blank in City’s 1-1 draw at home to the Blues in the Premier League late kickoff on Saturday.

Chelsea cage Haaland at City

The Norwegian giant unleashed nine shots with expected goals, xG, tally of 1.71 against the Blues, per Premier League via Opta. 

It was Haaland’s highest total across competition without scoring a goal in a Man City shirt. 

Haaland was guilty of spurning several presentable opportunities, with Opta recording three big chances missed against the struggling club from London. 

His profligate outing helped Mauricio Pochettino’s men put on a show, standing firm to end a run of 11 straight wins in all competitions for the Premier League champions.

Chelsea’s Pochettino set up his side expertly to nullify Haaland and City’s threat and was happy with the performance which saw the striker become a subdued figure at the Etihad.

“I think a very good performance, very pleased,” Pochettino told PL. “That is the spirit we want to show, we're working for that.

“I think today, against the very best team in the world, to put in this type of performance I can be proud of the players and I have to congratulate them,” he added.

In what was a rare day for the free-scoring phenom, Haaland found himself shackled as Chelsea delivered a tactical masterclass.

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