Erling Haaland in 'uncharted territory' as Premier League goal scoring struggles continue in draw with West Ham - Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott
Published 15/03/2026 at 10:33 GMT
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Manchester City were dealt another blow in the Premier League title race on Saturday as they were held to a draw against West Ham United, after Arsenal beat Everton to extend their lead at the top. Erling Haaland's form is a growing concern for Pep Guardiola's side, and TNT Sports experts Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott reflected on the striker's recent struggles.
'Uncharted territory for him'- Cole and Lescott discuss struggling Haaland's lack of form
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole said Erling Haaland finds himself in "uncharted territory" after the striker failed to score in Manchester City's 1-1 draw against West Ham United on Saturday.
The usually prolific Haaland has netted just three goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances, having scored 19 in the first 17 of the season.
He was subdued again at the London Stadium as City struggled to break down a stubborn West Ham side and lost more ground in the title race.
"This is uncharted territory for him, those type of numbers," former Chelsea midfielder Cole said on TNT Sports. "He's not been that low since he was probably about seven."
Ex-City defender Joleon Lescott suggested Haaland needs more support from his team-mates to rediscover his best form.
"There's a lack of cohesion between the collective of players around him," Lescott said. "I don't think they understand the type of pass or the right type of cross for Erling Haaland.
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Highlights: Man City fall further behind in title race as West Ham battle to vital point
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"It's uncharted territory in regards to current form, but he's got 29 goals in 41 games [in all competitions]. Any striker in any walk of life, you want that.
"You can say that the last 14 games isn't great, but if it was the first 14, City wouldn't be in this position anyway."
Haaland's last goal came in a 3-0 win over Fulham in February. He missed City's 1-0 win over Leeds United through injury, returning in a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
The Norway international was fit enough to start against Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday, but did not register a shot in the 3-0 loss.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted Haaland will soon be back on the scoresheet.
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"The lack of goals, we miss him of course," Guardiola told TNT Sports after the West Ham match.
"I always believe it's the connections and many things create the good interactions. But Erling, we need his goals.
"We need to create more, like in the [first half], he has three chances there. We have to create that threat that sometimes we didn't have.
"He will be back."
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'It's not over' - Guardiola remains defiant in title fight after West Ham draw
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Reflecting on the result, Guardiola refused to accept the title race was over, despite Arsenal extending their lead at the top to nine points.
"No, it's not over," he said. "We didn't lose. We continue.
"In the end, we need the creativity and we're struggling this season. We had to be better in the final third. We didn't do it. It happened in many games this season."
City next host Real Madrid in the return leg of their Champions League last 16 clash on Tuesday.
The Premier League takes a backseat as Guardiola's side then face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, before playing Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
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