Sheffield United goal shows Erling Haaland’s mentality – Juanma Lillo
Erling Haaland headed Manchester City into a second-half lead on Sunday at Sheffield United (Mike Egerton/PA)
Manchester City assistant Juanma Lillo says Erling Haaland’s mentality helps set him apart from most other goalscorers.
Haaland missed a first-half penalty and several other chances in Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Sheffield United before finally breaking the hosts’ stubborn resistance at Bramall Lane.
The Norway striker headed City into a second-half lead and after substitute Jayden Bogle fired a late Blades equaliser, Rodri smashed home City’s winner to send them top of the table with three straight wins.
Erling Haaland’s first-half penalty at Bramall Lane struck a post (Mike Egerton/PA)
Lillo, who took on the head coach’s role as Pep Guardiola recovers from back surgery, said: “Today would have been difficult for any striker, how it played out in the first half.
“Of course there was the situation with the penalty, which is frustrating for anyone, but that could happen to any striker, not just Erling.
“What it does show is that, and not just because he scored, because he came close on a couple of other occasions as well, came really close with (another) header, that it really shows his mental fortitude to keep going and keep going.
“That’s something that’s really difficult to find and he showed it throughout.
“He’s a very young lad and his mindset is so good that, OK he’s missed a penalty, but he’s come back now and he wants to keep going and keep trying to score these goals.”
The Blades’ central back three of captain John Egan, Jack Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic were key to their side’s disciplined rearguard action, which stifled Haaland for large parts of the game.
Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom, who
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