Third time’s a charm for Erling Haaland, as after two months out with a foot injury and two games against Burnley and Brentford, the Norwegian got back to his scoring ways to lead Manchester City past Everton 2-0 on Saturday.
The 2023 Golden Boot scored his first two goals of 2024 to sink the Toffees and put the Citizens atop the standings for the time being, with Liverpool able to move back ahead should they get a result against Burnley.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s great gesture to Erling Haaland that earned him praise
It’s the first time City sit at the head of the table since November 24, a reward for their impressive form as they set their sights on a fourth Premier League crown in a row.
Pep rested De Bruyne, Walker and Bernardo Silva, among others, and City felt it. Everton, who find themselves down in the relegation zone due to their points penalty, were a rock. They resisted and looked to hit on the counter.
The De Bruyne factor
Pep had to bring on De Bruyne to change maters. Everton did what they could to keep City at bay, but in the end they couldn’t deny Haaland.
From a corner, the Norwegian collected a rebound and fired it home with his right foot. A missile that left Pickford petrified. In the 71st minute he definitively broke the blue wall, ending his ‘drought’. Since November 28, when he scored against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, the Norwegian giant had not celebrated a goal.
Having overcome his injury, Haaland showed everything in his repertoire. On a counter, KDB put him on the run and the Norwegian, coming out of the middle, was a freight train that took Brathwaite by surprise. He cut back to the center-back and left him on the ground with power, before shaping up and left-footing past Pickford.
A great goal and a new record: he has started 50 English league games and scored 50 goals. Another example of the power of Haaland, who has moved past Salah as the Premier League’s top scorer with 16 goals.
During his two months of injury, he remained at the top of the top scorers. Now, he wants to make up for lost time. A blessing for City.
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