'Robot Haaland needs a reset'

The robot is malfunctioning and in need of a reset.

Erling Haaland made a blistering start to the season but that prolific run of form has suffered a glitch.

Though the Manchester City and Norway striker has scored a remarkable 39 goals in just 36 games for club and country this season, he has hit a sticky patch of form with only one goal in his past eight games.

Haaland's recent struggles in front of goal were summed up during Tuesday's cold and miserable trip to the Arctic Circle.

Having surprisingly fallen 2-0 behind, City needed a spark of inspiration to claw themselves back into the contest and just before half-time a gilt-edged chance fell to Haaland eight yards out - but he smacked his first-time effort wide.

That effort would no doubt have rippled the net earlier this season but the striker now finds himself without a goal from open play in his past eight games - it is his longest run while playing for Borussia Dortmund or City, with only one penalty scored in that sequence.

Not only have the goals dried up since last scoring, but there is a drop-off in many attacking metrics.

Since playing West Ham in December, Haaland is taking a shot fewer per 90 minutes, his touches in the opposition box have fallen from 6.7 to 4.3 and his expected goals (xG) has gone from 0.98 to 0.42.

There has also been a stark decrease in the big chances that have come his way, going from 1.94 per 90 minutes to 0.81.