Being more direct, faster and stronger is the goal that coach Pep Guardiola and Man City aimed for when spending 63 million USD to bring Haaland back from Dortmund last summer.
From goalkeeper Ederson’s long kick, Haaland moved smartly and accelerated to break the offside trap, using his chest to block the ball that had just hit the ground and at the same time eliminate Robert Sanchez – the visiting goalkeeper who came out to catch the card.
Haaland opened the score for Man City in the 22nd minute. Photo: Shutterstock
With the above goal, Haaland is the first Man City player to score in 7 consecutive home matches in all competitions since Sergio Aguero in February 2018.
Not stopping there, in the 41st minute, after VAR stepped in and determined that Lewis Dunk had fouled Bernardo Silva in the penalty area, Haaland took on the responsibility of taking the penalty kick.
Thanks to Haaland’s double, Man City led 2-0 at halftime.
Laporte disputes the ball with a Brighton player.
Brighton were underdogs, but except for two error situations leading to losses, coach De Zerbi’s team played confidently.
The high pressing style that coach De Zerbi built was effective when Leandro Trossard approached very quickly to steal the ball in the Laporte – Akanji combination near the center circle.
Uplifted, Brighton made Man City face many difficulties in the next few minutes.
De Bruyne shot from long range to seal the result 3-1.
De Bruyne’s masterpiece almost ended Brighton’s hopes of earning points.
After this match, Man City will go to Germany as a guest of Dortmund in round 5 of Group G Champions League on October 25, then return to the Premier League to play round 14 at Leicester City Stadium on October 29.
Squad:
Man City: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez (Foden 61), Grealish (Palmer 77), Haaland (Alvarez 80).
Subs not used: Ortega Moreno, Stones, Ake, Gundogan, Gomez, Lewis.
Brighton: Sanchez, Webster, Dunk, March, Mac Allister (Sarmiento 87), Trossard, Gross (Gilmour 87), Lallana (Lamptey 45), Welbeck (Undav 78), Caicedo, Veltman (Estupinan 66).
Subs: Steele, Colwill, Enciso, Van Hecke.
