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Erling Haaland proud to "shut things down a bit" after Manchester City brace in Premier League debut

Erling Haaland proud to "shut things down a bit" after Manchester City brace in Premier League debut

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland glowed about 'shutting things down a bit' with his brace against West Ham in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland was pleased to "shut things down a bit" with two goals on his Premier League debut against West Ham United at the weekend.

The 22 year-old striker has come in to the Etihad Stadium with huge expectation to deliver goals on his shoulders, and made the perfect start to his latest venture on Sunday afternoon.

A strike from the penalty spot, followed by some incredible link-up play with Kevin De Bruyne that lead to an expertly taken one-vs-one finish left onlookers staggered by the Norwegian international's goalscoring abilities.

Speaking to Manchester City's in-house media team after the match, Erling Haaland was keen to stress how happy he was with his start to life in the Premier League, and to shun some of the doubters with his goals.

"It was a proud moment for me and my family. I'm happy."

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland

Haaland continued, "It was hard, I have to say. The first game, of course it's hard.

"Pre-season has been for a couple of weeks. It was hard, but it was good to make my (Premier League) debut and to shut things down a bit."

The club's new number nine stressed how he doesn't think too much about the pressure put on him through his arrival and goalscoring history, and insisted that not only has he settled in well at the club and with his teammates, but that the win over West Ham is a sign of a team ready to hit the ground running.

Haaland explained, "I don't think too much (about pressure). My job is to try to do the best performance on the pitch as possible with my teammates and we have to build on what we did today."

"I feel good and (I have) good people around helping me a lot and I'm happy, I'm smiling, and training good."

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland

He continued, "As you say, we controlled the game a lot (against West Ham) and it's important to win these kind of games.

"You saw last year how difficult it was here (at the London Stadium) and it's an important start and we have to build on it."

Sunday's performance not only saw Haaland serenaded by travelling Manchester City support, but also his father Alf-Inge Haaland - who was in attendance in the away end at the London Stadium to watch his son's impressive showing.

"It was a good feeling, I saw the Norwegian flags in the stand. I'm happy, and I'm proud.

"Hopefully he (his father) felt good, it would be strange if not.

"I'm happy he came to the game, and hopefully he enjoyed it."

Erling Haaland Against West Ham (Image: PA Images/Alamy)
Erling Haaland Against West Ham (Image: PA Images/Alamy)

Next up for Erling Haaland and his Manchester City teammates is their first home match of the new season, with Bournemouth visiting the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League next Saturday.

Featured Image Credit: MI News & Sport / Alamy

Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, West Ham United, Premier League, Football