Manchester City did not even have to rely on Erling Haaland to add more silverware to the cabinet on their mid-season jaunt to Saudi Arabia and, rather crucially, they got another timely reminder as to why they do not have to rush the Norway sensation back.
Haaland watched from the sidelines as his treble-winning teammates became world champions. It was Julian Alvarez who took centre stage as Haaland – along with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku – was made to watch on from the dugout in Jeddah.
It might not have been quite as important as their Champions League win last season, but this was the final point for City to make in the quest for footballing domination. They have long since been billed as the best team on the planet and Guardiola’s star-studded squad now have the merchandise to prove it.
Guardiola’s star-studded squad is the best team on the planet, and they now have the merchandise to prove it.
There was arguably no player more important to City’s charge last season than Haaland, but Guardiola will have to box smart before redeploying his knockout power. City did not miss the Norwegian on their way to victory in Saudi Arabia, scoring seven goals in two games.
There will be tougher tests ahead, not least against Everton today, but there is no need to play the short game with Haaland. He may be 100 percent fit by the time kickoff arrives at Goodison Park, but a gamble is not worth taking if there is any doubt.
