Unfortunately for Manchester City, Erling Haaland will remain sidelined for their upcoming contest against Everton on Saturday due to an ankle injury that is set to keep him out for weeks.
The good news for the Sky Blues is that Pep Guardiola raved about Omar Marmoush’s impact at Manchester City — who has scored two goals in three games since replacing the Norwegian.
But Erling Haaland is virtually irreplaceable for this City side and he guarantees goals in a way not many players across world football can.
But against David Moyes’ side, Pep Guardiola will be hoping that the visitors can do the business in Merseyside as one of their two main objectives this season is qualifying for the Champions League in the 2025/2026 campaign.
But Haaland will be frustrated despite not featuring for Manchester City against Everton due to Simon Hooper being named the referee for the contest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesErling Haaland will be frustrated Simon Hooper will referee Everton vs Man City
Haaland was famously incensed at Simon Hooper after he blew his whistle for a foul on him despite Jack Grealish being clear on goal in the final moments of Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur last season.
Considering the Manchester City striker tends to seem quite relaxed on the pitch, his reaction to Simon Hooper’s decision was an insight into how furious Haaland was — and the same referee will officiate his side’s clash against Everton — which would be worrying him.
Haaland was not punished despite berating Simon Hooper as he also took to social media to express his dissatisfaction.
Scenes in the final minutes as referee Simon Hooper called back the advantage with Grealish through on goal after initially indicating play on 🧐
Erling Haaland was seen venting his anger at the referee at full-time 😳
Never a dull moment in the Premier League 😅 pic.twitter.com/XOG422MehV
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 3, 2023
View Tweet
But ultimately, the 24-year-old perhaps has no reason to be overly concerned as referees can make mistakes and no official goes out of their way to make incorrect decisions on purpose.
However, Haaland and any and everyone associated with Manchester City is likely to be fuming in case Simon Hooper hands Everton an undeserved decision that could have a bearing on the result.
Simon Hooper’s record while refereeing Man City
Sky Blues fans will be curious to discover what Hooper’s record is while refereeing their side’s fixtures.
While Haaland had every right to be raging at Simon Hooper’s shocker of a call against Tottenham, Manchester City do not have many reasons to be worried ahead of their clash against Everton — judging by his record while watching over their games.
via Transfermarkt
Manchester City have won eight, lost six and drawn none in 15 games when Hooper has been in charge.
In terms of red cards given to City in these games, none have been given to their players but two sending offs have happened against them.
Simon Hooper has also rewarded the Premier League champions with two penalties and not a single one to their opponents in games he has refereed.