Defeat in the Premier League must be the catalyst for Manchester City to succeed next year as they brace themselves for being usurped by Arsenal yesterday.
Haaland’s team slumped to a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, a result which diminished any flicker of hope of claiming their sixth title in seven seasons.
A Kroupi opener in the first half was cancelled out in the final seconds, after Haaland converted in injury-time in the 95th minute to cap off a final day where a championship had been lost before one game remained. This means Arsenal clinch their first league title in 22 years with a game left to play.
But even winning two domestic competitions is simply not enough for Haaland; there are, he insists, higher standards required at Manchester City:
“In the end, it’s the Premier League, every game is difficult, we have tried but it has not been enough. I think everyone in the club should take this forward as a motivation. We have to be angry, we must not accept not winning. We have to comeback stronger next season,” said Haaland.
This is the second consecutive season the Norway international has seen his side fail to win the Premier League title for the first time under Pep Guardiola since arriving at the Etihad, and all eyes will be on the future of Guardiola amid mounting pressure that it is his final season at the helm; Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa could be his last ever home match as City boss.
