Erling Haaland's Goal Drought 'My Fault,' Says Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken the blame for his forward Erling Haaland's mini goal-scoring drought.

Haaland barely took any time to settle down in England following his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City last summer. He has netted an incredible 27 goals in 24 matches and provided three assists as well, including three hat-tricks. However, the Norwegian forward has not been involved in a single goal for City in the last three matches.

Ahead of Manchester City's home game against Tottenham in the Premier League, Guardiola said his side needs to improve its attack.

"We have our game, we have our principles but the way we played in the last two games didn't help Erling to score. In the build-up, you can be wider, but in the final third, you have to have players in the middle. If Erling is not there we are not going to score goals," Guardiola told reporters.

"In the past, we have always had incredible movements in the final third, in the small spaces. Now, in the last two games, we haven't had it. I would say it was my fault. I didn't make them understand the way we have to attack," the City boss added.

Reigning champions Manchester City have managed just two wins in their last five Premier League outings and have lost two of their last four competitive matches.

"We need runners, not just Erling. If we had just Erling he would be controlled by two or three central defenders. We need more players in those positions, definitely. We have done it. We have to do it more often. I prefer to be eight points in front but I like to handle this situation, I love it," added Guardiola.

The Spanish boss said he would find something to improve the team as he believes he is "the man responsible."

Manchester City are eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and currently are level on points with third-placed Manchester United. Both have 39 points but the Red Devils have played a game more.