Haaland Back on Penalty Duty: City’s Marksman Reclaims the Spotlight
AW8 Erling Haaland has officially reclaimed his role as Manchester City’s primary penalty taker, restoring a sense of authority and composure from the spot that has, at times, eluded Pep Guardiola’s side in recent years. After a short spell of delegation and a few high-profile misses by others, Haaland’s return to penalty duty not only solidifies his stature as City’s leading man but also brings renewed precision to one of the most high-pressure moments in football.
⚽ A History of Penalty Inconsistency at City
Penalty-taking has been something of a puzzle for Manchester City under Guardiola. Despite their overwhelming dominance in possession and attack, the club has struggled with spot-kick consistency. From Sergio Agüero’s occasional misfires to Riyad Mahrez’s infamous miss against Liverpool in 2018, City fans have often watched nervously when a penalty was awarded.
That nervous energy began to dissipate with Haaland’s arrival in the summer of 2022. The towering Norwegian striker brought with him a track record of ruthless efficiency from 12 yards. Known for his direct, no-nonsense style, Haaland quickly assumed the mantle of City’s go-to penalty man, and for good reason.
📊 Haaland’s Penalty Stats: Cold, Calculated, Clinical
In his first season at Manchester City, Haaland scored 8 of his 9 penalties in the Premier League, finishing with an 89% conversion rate. Across his career, spanning stints at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and City, his penalty accuracy has consistently hovered near the 90% mark.
His approach is deceptively simple: minimal run-up, fixed stare at the goalkeeper, and a thunderous strike that leaves little room for error. That mechanical precision is part of what makes him so effective—not just in scoring, but in demoralizing opposition keepers.
⏳ A Brief Pause and the Leadership Test
Despite his strong record, there was a brief period in 2023 when Haaland stepped aside from penalties—most notably allowing then-skipper Ilkay Gündoğan to take one against Leeds in a 2-0 game. Gündoğan missed, Guardiola fumed, and the result left fans questioning the hierarchy of responsibility within the team.
While the incident was framed as a gesture of sportsmanship or team spirit, it also opened the door to penalty rotation—something Guardiola has occasionally flirted with throughout his tenure. Riyad Mahrez, Julian Álvarez, and even Kevin De Bruyne have taken turns at the spot. But none have inspired the same level of confidence as Haaland.
🔁 The Return to Duty: Why Now?
So, why the return now?
City’s recent run of tight games and increasing stakes—across the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup—demand the highest level of execution in pressure situations. Guardiola, a coach who thrives on control, has clearly opted to remove the guesswork.
Haaland was officially confirmed as the club’s first-choice penalty taker again during a press conference in early June 2025. Guardiola praised his forward’s mental strength, calling him “a player who thrives in moments others shy away from.”
That trust was immediately rewarded. In City’s Club World Cup opener against Al Ain, Haaland came off the bench to score a confident penalty—low and powerful into the bottom right—reaffirming his claim to the role and putting any speculation to rest.
🧠 The Psychology of Penalty-Taking
One of Haaland’s greatest assets is his unshakeable mental focus. He has described penalties as “a moment to shut everything out,” and his body language reinforces that mindset. While many players look anxious or deliberate in their approach, Haaland exudes a sort of brutal inevitability—like he knows the ball is going in.
This psychological advantage is vital. Penalties aren’t just about technique; they’re about managing pressure. With Haaland back on duty, City can approach those situations with a level of calm they haven’t always had.
🤝 What It Means for the Squad
Haaland’s return to penalty duty also simplifies the attacking hierarchy at Manchester City. With Mahrez now departed and Gündoğan playing fewer minutes, the decision removes ambiguity and empowers City’s No. 9 to take on more leadership responsibility—something he has increasingly embraced.
Kevin De Bruyne remains a capable backup, and Julian Álvarez has proven reliable from the spot. But Guardiola knows that, in critical matches, clarity is key. There’s no longer a debate. Haaland takes the penalty.
🔮 Looking Ahead: High Stakes, High Confidence
With City’s ambitions stretching across multiple competitions this season, every edge matters. In tight knockout games where chances are few, a single penalty could define the outcome. Haaland’s accuracy, confidence, and ability to deliver under pressure give City that edge.
The upcoming Premier League fixture list includes clashes against top-six rivals and European nights that demand cool heads and big moments. With Haaland locked in from the spot, City’s arsenal feels more complete than ever.
📣 Fan and Manager Reactions
City fans have responded positively to the news. Social media has buzzed with memes and commentary celebrating Haaland’s return to “his rightful place.” One tweet joked, “Opposition keepers just lost more sleep.”
Guardiola, for his part, emphasized structure and discipline:
“We learned from the past. Penalty takers need rhythm, not rotation. Erling is our taker now—he knows it, we know it, and that’s how it will stay.”
✅ Conclusion: The Right Man for the Job
In the high-stakes world of elite football, few moments carry the weight of a penalty kick. And few players wear that responsibility as well as Erling Haaland. With his return to penalty duty, Manchester City not only solve a historical weakness but reinforce their commitment to ruthless efficiency.
He may miss one now and then—as even the greats do—but with Haaland at the spot, City fans have every reason to feel confident again.