Despite having several shots and being in the perfect locations, Haaland’s shots aren’t going in. He had two or three outstanding attempts against Bournemouth but was unable to score, he had his second-highest predicted goals figure in a City shirt against Southampton but only managed to score one, and he appeared in the mood again at Sporting but missed many decent chances.

The best opportunity of the lot came from the penalty spot, given extremely fortunately in City’s favour at 3-1 down. A delay seemingly interrupted his focus and Haaland’s spot kick smacked the bar and flew over. What is it about Haaland and penalties in Europe?

He has had 17 shots on goal since his successful effort against Southampton, of which eight have been on target. He’s hardly out of form, but he’s not in form either.

Haaland was first to slam the ball down on the centre-spot after each goal City conceded, seemingly angry at another strike going against them. He puffed his cheeks out when the penalty went over, and looked frustrated when Bernardo Silva grabbed the ball before it was given – as it turned out to take pressure off his teammate.

That was the kind of disconnect between the forwards that had been going on all night. Too many flicks or overhit passes. Players where they shouldn’t be. Not crossing when they should.

At full-time, Haaland was visibly angry at his performance and the overall situation. While other City players shook hands with the hosts and offered apologetic applause to the fans, Haaland was seen heading briefly to the fans to applaud them before walking straight down the tunnel with minimal post-match pleasantries on the pitch.

It summed up his night and City’s – the players were just on different pages.