That goal over Gabriel was ridiculous

by Brendan , The Chemical and Oil Refinery State, Thursday, July 09, 2026, 11:47 (13 days ago) @ HCE

My favorite complaint about Haaland is that he only scores easy goals. Do you know why they're easy? Do you think every team he plays against is desperately trying to keep him out of a position where they'll be easy for him? Do you know why they can't?

BECAUSE HE'S REALLY FUCKING GOOD.

The raw power, size, and speed are obviously very helpful, but he also knows where to be when and has a lion-like ability to smell when the defender is asleep or vulnerable. The one over Gabriel, who is legitimately a very good defender, is a perfect example. Gabriel had tabs on him, took his eyes off him, and Haaland - didn't pounce. He lurked. Once the ball was in the air and halfway to the spot, then he pounced, and it was too late. Continuing the leonine analogy, he's in the weeds until the throat is exposed and he only pounces when he knows it's too late for you to get it covered back up. Congratulations, you're dead.

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"Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy." - Yeats