Premier League: ‘Relaxed’ Erling Haaland powers City to win the opening match
Erling Haaland opened the Premier League title defense for Manchester City with two goals in a victory to begin his second season in English football.
The Norway striker scored two clinical goals in the fourth and 36th minutes of City’s 3-0 victory over Burnley, a newly promoted team managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, in the opening match of the English Premier League on Friday. Rodri, a defensive midfielder, scored the second goal.
Haaland had a sensational debut season with City, scoring 52 goals in all competitions, including 36 in the league, as Pep Guardiola’s squad claimed the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
He began the previous season with a brace against West Ham, a sign of things to come, and he made another statement at Turf Moor, although it did not satisfy Guardiola.
The City manager came onto the field at halftime and reprimanded Haaland as they walked toward the tunnel, even swatting away a camera that was following them.
“We are still in the beginning stages of this marathon, but I’m not anxious. “I’m at ease,” Haaland declared. “I must continue to develop, embrace the chaos around me, and perform on the field.”
The evening was not ideal for City, which is attempting to become the first team in English soccer history to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
Kevin De Bruyne, starting for the first time since leaving the Champions League final early due to a hamstring injury, lasted 23 minutes before being replaced due to a strain.
Guardiola stated that the issue had resurfaced. “It’s unfortunate… we’ve lost him for a while,” Guardiola said. City, which gave center-back Josko Gvardiol his debut in the second half, will face Sevilla in the Uefa Super Cup on Wednesday. It is a match between the champions of the Champions League and Europa League from the previous season.
Saturday’s Premier League opener for Arsenal featured a delayed start and a tense conclusion en route to a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka scored first-half goals for Arsenal in a match that was delayed by 30 minutes because the club’s new digital ticketing system malfunctioned and prevented fans from entering the stadium on time. In the 83rd minute, Taiwo Awoniyi scored a goal for Forest to reduce the deficit.
Midfielder Sandro Tonali scored on his league debut for Newcastle United, and striker Alexander Isak added two more goals as the Magpies defeated Aston Villa 5-1 at St. James’ Park.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July, scored on Anthony Gordon’s cross after only six minutes of play. Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes scored the other two goals for Newcastle off the substitutes.
Premier League: ‘Relaxed’ Erling Haaland powers City to win the opening match