Manchester City have begun their season with positive results, though particular scenarios have raised a question about the side's ability to compete going ahead.
Manchester City are on the back of a very hard season in which they did not lift any silverware. Pep Guardiola has been entrusted with rebuilding the side, but his roster does not appear entirely balanced.
In this campaign, Erling Haaland has scored 13 goals in 10 Premier League games. However, no one else for the Cityzens has found the back of the net has scored more than once. This begs the question as to whether Guardiola's side is over-reliant on the Norwegian?
Their last campaign was derailed by an injury to Rodri, and a similar situation could happen if Haaland is to be sidelined. Manchester City do not have Julian Alvarez anymore to come in for Haaland, as he grew frustrated at playing second fiddle at the club. The Argentine is now starring in La Liga for Atletico Madrid.
Omar Marmoush is now the Cityzens' only other senior recognised centre-forward, but he has yet to score in the Premier League. Marmoush has shown in the EFL Cup that he can do the job when scoring in the last round against Swansea City.
Marmoush would not be able to match Haaland's goalscoring records. So if anything were to happen to Haaland, then the goal-scoring would have to be shared across the front line and midfield. Players such as Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku will have to step up.
Is Manchester City over-reliant on Erling Haaland?
Doku has claimed three Premier League assists this season, whilst Rayan Cherki and Tijani Reijnders both have two. Cherki set up both of Haaland's goals against Bournemouth last weekend in the Premier League. The Frenchman is already being compared to Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester City's result against the Cherries lifted them to second in the Premier League, but they are still six points behind the leaders, Arsenal. The Gunners have shared goal-scoring duties this season, with five players scoring more than once in the division.
Viktor Gyokeres has scored four, but players including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have scored two. Strength in depth is crucial to a team winning the Premier League, as there is still a lot left to be played.
Top teams have to juggle playing in the Champions League as well as other domestic cup competitions. Player workload and welfare have been much debated recently, especially with the calendar filling up with more games.
Due to this, it increases the chances of injury, putting Haaland at risk, so Guardiola needs to manage his star player's workload.