Haaland has faced criticism this season for his ability on the ball away from scoring goals, with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane saying he could appear at times “almost like a League Two player”.
But Haaland’s instinct and potency in front of goal – alongside the quality and quantity of chances coming his way – means he is still the Premier League’s top scorer with 21 goals.
“Haaland is a goalscorer, simple as that,” said former Newcastle, Tottenham and England winger Chris Waddle on Radio 5 Live.
“He isn’t known for his link-up play, dribbling or skills – he is a goalscorer and that is what he is good at.
“It was a good finish and he passed it into the bottom corner – with him coming back he will probably be the difference.”
Previous seasons teach us that City know what to do when it gets to crunch time in a title race and their performance at Forest was evidence of that.
They were second best for much of the game and had to grind it out.
Yet should they take advantage of their game in hand and win their remaining matches, they will find themselves with another trophy in the cabinet.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on Sky Sports: “Haaland made a difference. His all-round play was excellent.
“There will be times when you’re not at your best, but at the key moments they get the job done and that is exactly what City did.”
