Man City teammates send Erling Haaland mixed messages with in-game argument vs Aston Villa

The last time Ilkay Gundogan crept in at the far post to score against Aston Villa, Manchester City won the Premier League in dramatic fashion. The finish against the same opposition on Sunday was almost identical, but the celebrations weren't as provider Erling Haaland got the plaudits of his teammates this time.

Haaland had pounced upon Lucas Digne's wayward header back, rounded goalkeeper Emi Martinez, and when the shot wasn't on, he did well to cross for Gundogan. Four teammates ran to Haaland to celebrate, rather than Gundogan, and the fans behind the goal all chanted for the striker too after an impressive bit of opportunistic forward play. Haaland has been tasked with adding more assists to his game, and this was one of his better performances in terms of involving himself in the build-up.

If Haaland was feeling the love from his teammates after Gundogan's goal, he was brought back down to earth when Jack Grealish won a penalty and suddenly Rodri and Riyad Mahrez were arguing over who would take it. Haaland has been deadly from the spot this season, while Mahrez has missed twice and Rodri last stepped up in 2021 - scoring the only penalty he's attempted in his career.

ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Aston Villa

As fans once again called for Haaland, showing who they wanted to take it, Mahrez won the argument and converted coolly. Minutes later, with a 3-0 lead and attention turning to Arsenal, Haaland was replaced at half-time. Mahrez's performance deserved a goal, and the penalty was well-taken, although to outrank Haaland's 100 per cent record raises questions over who in fact is City's designated spot-kick taker.

After an increasing number of mistakes in recent games - including three in the two