'He's at the same level' - Pep Guardiola bats away Erling Haaland criticism and backs Man City star to replicate 2022-23 performances

• Haaland has missed chances this season
• Form has attracted scrutiny
• Guardiola responds to criticism

WHAT HAPPENED? Haaland drew a rare blank last time out for Manchester City, as the reigning Premier League champions were beaten 2-1 by Wolves. The Norway international has still scored eight times in just seven top-flight games but has been guilty of missing chances since the start of the new campaign. Guardiola has been asked about the striker's profligacy in front of goal but is not concerned.

WHAT THEY SAID: "He had a lot of chances to score the goals. It gets more difficult with five defenders, on the 18 yard box, there but not just for him for any player around the world," he told reporters. "If you see the chances he's had and the goals he's scored he's at the same level as last season."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Haaland hit 52 goals in his record-breaking debut season at Manchester City as Guardiola's side won the treble. Matching those numbers this time around will be difficult but few would bet against Haaland topping the goalscoring charts again this season.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

Getty Images

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT? Haaland will be hoping to rediscover his goalscoring touch on Wednesday against RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The striker scored five the last time the two sides met in Europe's top competition back in March.