Haaland leaves Pep fuming after passing penalty to Gundogan as fans joke he 'refused to score' against beloved Leeds | The Sun
PEP GUARDIOLA was left fuming with Erling Haaland after he passed his penalty duties to Ilkay Gundogan against Leeds – who then MISSED.
Manchester City were leading 2-0 over relegation-threatened Leeds when they were awarded a spot-kick in the 84th minute.
Gundogan had netted the two goals and was therefore given a chance to score a hat-trick.
However, the midfielder missed his penalty as he struck the post.
The camera cut to a raging Guardiola, who appeared to shout at Haaland: "You have to take it. Erling, you have to take it."
Things then got nervous for City as Leeds went up the other end just a minute later and scored via Rodrigo.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Gundogan brace sinks resilient Leeds on Allardyce’s big Prem return
Premier League: Claim £30 in free football accas when you bet £10 with Ladbrokes
However, the champions managed to hold on for a crucial three points in Sam Allardyce's first game in charge of the Whites.
Haaland missed several chances in the game and it led to fans joking about a wild conspiracy theory.
Some on social media suggested that the Norwegian deliberately didn't want to score versus Leeds due to his connection to the club.
Haaland's dad Alfie played for them between 1997 and 2000.
Most read in Football
Giggs has kid brother, 11, he’s never met – who does NOT support Man Utd
Inside Wrexham’s wild Vegas party organised by Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney
Man Utd target Ansu Fati lined up for shock transfer to rival Prem club
Major VAR change could come in next season that fans have been wanting for ages
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
And he was born in Leeds while his dad was a favourite at Elland Road.
The Man City striker is known to be a fan of the relegation threatened club.
Fans joked: "The Leeds fan in Haaland really screaming out today."
Another wrote on Twitter: "Haaland is just trying his hardest to keep Leeds in the Premier League."
On the penalty and his shout at Haaland, Guardiola said: "The game is not over. It shows how nice and generous Erling is.
"If it is 4-0 with 10 minutes left, OK. But at 2-0?
"Erling is the best penalty taker right now so he has to take it.
"Today Erling could have scored two or three goals. He played incredibly well, in his movement and everything… how he fought for us. I like to praise Erling when he does not score.
"If Gundo scores everyone is 'OK, hat-trick, well done'. But a taker is a taker. At 2-0, this is a business, not a situation where we cannot forget it."
Source: Read Full Article