Will Haaland's honesty be rewarded?
Does honesty pay? Voting for Footballer of the Year involves consideration of “precept and example”, a point made by the organisers in an email sent to football writers in this last week of voting (deadline tomorrow). Manchester City’s Erling Haaland will get votes for his prolific season, 25 goals and counting in the league, including last night in the frustrating draw at Everton. He will also garner some support because of “precept and example”, ie, being a role model, showing fair play, not rolling around and trying to get opponents sent off. Haaland’s honest.
He probably won’t win the FWA honour, though. Bruno Fernandes is favourite because of some of his assists for Manchester United, and the way he has driven their revival on the field under Michael Carrick. Declan Rice and Gabriel will garner votes for Arsenal’s season which now looks to be leading to a momentous first title in 22 years. I voted for Rice this morning because trophies matter and, as it stands with voting deadline looming, Arsenal look best-placed and because the Arsenal midfielder has raised his game to a new level this season. That said, the Haaland situation needs examining.
Haaland’s sporting nature has helped Arsenal. We are so used to players reacting theatrically to any contact to gain an advantage that it was a major talking point when Haaland didn’t milk the moment when Gabriel pushed his head into the face of the City striker at the Etihad. The pair had been enjoying a good old-school physical duel and Haaland isn’t the type to try to get an opponent sent off.
“If I go down like any other guy, it’s a red card,” Haaland told Sky Sports after the game. “It’s not something I would do. My father taught me to stay on your feet.” His father, Alfie, wouldn’t tolerate such unsporting behaviour. Haaland plays the game the right way. This saved Gabriel from dismissal and a three-game ban. How significant has that been?