Erling Haaland proved something to Man City fans without getting on pitch vs Liverpool

When Erling Haaland was ruled out of Manchester City's Premier League clash with Liverpool, it came as a blow. The striker has registered 42 goals in 37 matches this season, so his absence was always going to be felt. Yet, Pep Guardiola's side showed that they are still capable of thriving without the frontman.

The Norwegian ace has scored once in his three games against Jurgen Klopp's side this term, so he will have been desperate to be on the pitch to try and change that record. However, even with Guardiola giving Haaland time to prove his fitness before Liverpool's visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, it was always going to be difficult for him to make the game.

The 22-year-old withdrew from the Norway squad during the international break because of a groin injury and missed training with City on Thursday. During the international break, the Norwegian visited a City-affiliated hospital in Marbella to have the injury assessed.

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Given Haaland was not on the team bus, it was initially unclear if he would be at the Etihad for the clash on Saturday. It is not uncommon for injured players to watch matches from the comfort of their own home, but most of them like to be in and around the action where possible.

It took a while for the cameras to find Haaland in the crowd, but he was eventually spotted. The former Borussia Dortmund man was watching the game from a box inside the Etihad, where he could be seen bouncing around in celebration as his side ran riot over Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah put the Merseyside club in the lead in the 17th minute, but Julian Alvarez - who played in place of Haaland - levelled proceedings in the 27th minute.