Are Manchester City a better side without Erling Haaland? Is Omar Marmoush the key to UEFA Champions League qualification?

Manchester City may have struggled at points this season, but Erling Haaland has still been one of the most lethal finishers in all of European football. He is currently on the road back to full fitness, but with so much riding on City's remaining Premier League fixtures, would it be wise for Pep Guardiola to start January signing Omar Marmoush up front instead of the Norwegian?

Guardiola admits Man City ‘missed a good opportunity’ by failing to beat Southampton

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Despite Manchester City's difficult season, Erling Haaland has still found a way to score goals.

Last term's Premier League champions may have relinquished the title to Liverpool, but the Norwegian striker has still managed to net 30 in all competitions.

He returned to the starting side for City's clash with Southampton last Saturday after recovering from an ankle injury.

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However, City failed to find the back of the net during a 0-0 draw against the Championship-bound Saints, bringing their run of four consecutive league wins to an end.

Pep Guardiola's side still have a chance to salvage their season somewhat by snatching second place from Arsenal and beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

Haaland may be one of the best strikers in the world, but do the stats suggest that Omar Marmoush could be the key to City achieving their goals?

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City without Haaland

According to Stats Perform, City have played 41 games with Haaland this season and 13 without the Norwegian.

The striker may be one of the club's most threatening attacking talents, but they have not experienced a significant drop-off in front of goal without him.

In fact, they have scored even more.

Guardiola's side have averaged two goals per game with Haaland and 2.2 goals without him this term.

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They also produced slightly fewer shots per game with the former Borussia Dortmund striker in the side, but not by much, with the average dropping from 16.8 to 16.

Perhaps most surprisingly of all, the story was the same last season.

During the 2023-24 campaign, City averaged 2.6 goals per game in 14 matches without him, compared to 2.5 in 45 fixtures with him on the pitch.

So while Haaland offers a lot going forward, City certainly are not dependent on him for goals.

Is Marmoush the answer?

Marmoush arrived at the Etihad from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, and it is fair to say the Egypt international has hit the ground running.

He has been their main attacking outlet in the Norwegian striker's absence since then, and the statistics above suggest he is doing an excellent job.

However, despite being impressive, his individual statistics do not compare to Haaland's.

The 26-year-old has fewer goals per 90 minutes, shots and shots on target than his team-mate.

He also has a worse minutes-to-goal ratio and a lower xG per 90 since his arrival.

Who should City start?

Statistically speaking, City appear to have been a bigger threat going forward without Haaland this term.

However, his influence should not be underestimated - he is still considered by many to be one of the best finishers of his generation.

Guardiola certainly has a tough decision to make.

Is it possible that he experiments with both Marmoush and Haaland playing together, as they did in the final stages of their draw with Southampton?

The City boss needs to find a solution, and fast. The FA Cup final is looming into view.

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Thoughts?