Haaland Explains Why VAR Benefits Him, His Mastery Of The Offside Trap

Erling Haaland has revealed why VAR suits him, stating that the “worst thing” he can do is stray offside after his record of avoiding traps came to an end against Fulham.

The Norway striker ended his two-year streak of not being flagged offside in an away Premier League game during City’s 5-4 win over Fulham, where he also became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.

While most strikers were contemplating how their game might need to adapt with the introduction of VAR, Haaland was not concerned; in fact, he felt relieved.

It is no surprise, given his exceptional offside record, that Haaland’s father, Alfie, told him the introduction of VAR would be “perfect” for him, especially since Manchester City’s premier goalscorer has made it a priority to stay onside.

Discussing finally being caught offside away from the Etihad Stadium, he told The Rest is Football: “Yeah, I got caught this time. A bad pass from Tijani—my first offside in an away game in two years.

“This is how I’ve played all my life since I was 13. I’ve been striking, starting on the big pitch, doing these curved runs and all of this.

“I remember when VAR was introduced; my father said it would be perfect for me because then you would get the decision.

“It’s simple with the offside, as I don’t go offside often. It’s all about timing.

“That’s everything in life; it’s all about timing in whatever you do. It’s about the timing of the pass, and if the pass is delayed too long, I will be offside.

“I need to be ready, but also to hold back in my run because the worst thing for me is going offside; then you have no chance of scoring a goal.

“If you’re onside but a bit further away, you’ve still got a chance—so the worst thing for me is going offside.”