Manchester City is known for scoring goals, but the absence of chief playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has been felt in the team. With Erling Haaland shouldering much of the goal-scoring burden, other players like Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, and Jack Grealish have yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League this season.
The reliance on Haaland for goals is evident, with him accounting for 55% of Manchester City’s goals so far. This over-reliance on one player is not ideal for a team with such talented individuals. Despite dominating most opponents and creating numerous chances, City’s conversion rate and success rate for big chances have been lower this season compared to previous campaigns.
Phil Foden, in particular, has been struggling in front of goal, failing to score in eight Premier League appearances. His shot accuracy has dropped significantly, with only 11.1% of his attempts hitting the target this season. Foden needs to improve his positioning and shot selection to start finding the back of the net more regularly.
Bernardo Silva and Savinho have also struggled to convert their chances, with both players accumulating high xG without scoring goals. The return of Kevin De Bruyne could provide the solution to City’s goal-scoring woes. De Bruyne’s creativity and ability to create big chances for his teammates could help unlock the potential of players like Foden and Haaland.
With De Bruyne back in the starting XI, Manchester City will look to improve their goal-scoring output and reduce their reliance on Haaland. The chemistry between De Bruyne and Haaland is exceptional, and his presence on the field could elevate the performance of the entire team. As City aims to regain their form in front of goal, the return of De Bruyne could be the catalyst for a successful season.