Jan Åge Fjørtoft has revealed what Erling Haaland told Manchester City defender Ruben Dias before taking his crucial penalty against Tottenham.
All eyes were on Erling Haaland to see if he could double City’s lead as the game had gone into 10 minutes of added time.
Dejan Kulusevski’s introduction had added a spark to Tottenham’s performance, as they relentlessly searched for an equaliser.
How City striker Haaland felt before his penalty against Tottenham
The hosts, who went into the contest as the underdogs took 10 shots to Manchester City’s eight on the night.
Ange Postecoglou’s side had as many shots on target and as per Sofascore, their xG (Expected Goals) was 1.66.
City’s was 2.4 but that was perhaps boosted by the fact they took a penalty, which has an xG value of 0.76, as per Wyscout.
Taking the spot-kick away, the Sky Blues’ xG would have been 1.64, which was lesser than Spurs’ on the night.
Regardless, Manchester City were awarded a deserved penalty against Tottenham and Erling Haaland told Ruben Dias he was feeling the nerves.
Jan Åge Fjørtoft told Viaplay: “I just spoke with Erling Haaland, he said when I had the penalty, I didn’t think, I spoke to Ruben [Dias] and said I’m so nervous, I just want to shoot the ball.”
Haaland showed his nerve despite what he told Dias
Despite being a clinical goalscorer, one can understand why City’s number nine was anxious before stepping up to take his spot-kick.
Perhaps the chat with Manchester City teammate Ruben Dias helped Erling Haaland feel more confident as his spot-kick against Tottenham seemed nerveless and virtually impossible to stop.
Even a player of Haaland’s standing in the game will naturally feel the nerves of such a massive moment in a game.
But the top players can set their feelings aside and get down to the business when it is their time to deliver.
Erling Haaland did just that as he continues to cement his status as a modern-day Manchester City great.
