MANCHESTER CITY – SOUTHAMPTON 1-0:
The whole world was stunned when the player from Jæren scored in an almost inexplicable manner in the Champions League midweek, and on Saturday he was at work again.
Where he used acrobatics akin to Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Sparta Prague on Wednesday, it was raw Jæren strength and muscle power that ensured he scored 1-0 at the Etihad on Saturday.
The Norwegian was waiting inside the box when a cross from Matheus Nunes came into the area.
In what almost resembled a wrestling match with Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, Haaland fought his way in front of the Pole, and in almost a lying position while holding the defender behind him, he managed to poke the ball in for 1-0.
City coach Pep Guardiola was understandably pleased with his Norwegian striker.
He reacted to the fact that Haaland often receives excessively rough treatment inside the box.
– It’s not easy for him, because every cross is a penalty kick for Erling – considering the way they hold him. We created more chances, but couldn’t score more, but Erling is a guarantee for us, he told BBC.
Praises from Arsenal legend
The goal did not go unnoticed by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown at BBC.
– As a defender, you are favored to take that ball if you position yourself correctly, but Bednarek let Haaland get in front, he writes.
Top scorer in the Premier League
The goal is Haaland’s 11th in nine league matches this season. He is the clear top scorer in the Premier League so far – three goals ahead of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
City were huge favorites against Southampton on Saturday, and Haaland had several great chances to extend the lead for the light blues.
However, the guests kept within striking distance in the closing minutes and attempted to chase a very surprising equalizer.