So much hyperbole in here. Which is not surprising.
Haaland is quite obviously a brilliant footballer. His record speaks for itself. But he’s not infallible. Like every footballer, he’s more suited to some games than others. Better at some things than others. Today City probably would’ve been better off playing Alvarez. For his movement and technical ability.
They were faced with an opponent who dug in and defended in numbers and incredibly well. City tried to choke the life out of them with relentless possession and probing. Often slow and methodical. That’s not an environment suited to Haaland. There was no space behind, as Arsenal sat so deep, and they clogged up the middle where he plays. City would’ve been better off with a false nine to give them an extra option in possession and make him harder to track for opposing CBs.
So yes, this wasn’t his day. It wasn’t his game. It showed how limited he is in the build up phase of the game. That doesn’t normally hurt him or City too much, but today it did. Why? Because like nearly every other player in the world, he’s not a complete footballer. He’s isn’t brilliant at everything. What he is brilliant at, can be devastatingly effective, but it’s not for every occasion.
He’s not as good as people have often made out, but the idea he’s now shit, is even more ridiculous. He’s just a brilliant striker, who has limitations. There’s still no team in the world that wouldn’t take him.
And this is coming from someone who cannot stand the guy.