Erling Haaland opened the scoring 10 minutes into this evening's Carabao Cup fourth-round clash between Manchester City and Liverpool - it's like the World Cup never happened.
The 22-year-old has been inactive over the last five weeks thanks to the World Cup break. Haaland and Norway failed to qualify for the competition, meaning he was resting up while his City teammates were out in Qatar.
Since joining City, Haaland has scored an outrageous 23 goals including three hat-tricks. He made that 24 goals at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening.
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Haaland was up for it within the opening minute after attempting to chip Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The striker's effort went wide and he looked visibly frustrated with himself. He wouldn't have to wait long to get another chance.
Cole Palmer worked the ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who had an underwhelming World Cup with Belgium, on the left-hand side.
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De Bruyne only needed one touch before spotting Haaland between Reds defenders Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson.
He fired in a cross with his left foot and we all know what happened next. Haaland darted in front of Gomez to turn his effort past Kelleher.
Fans online have reacted to the goal, joking Haaland must've been incredibly bored sat at home.
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One person said: "De Bruyne and Haaland were linking up within 10 minutes he really did miss him."
Another put: "Running out of ways to describe this lad."
A third tweeted: "Picked up right where he left off."
While someone added: "He's wasted no time here. Nobody better in the world right now."
Liverpool managed to equalise against the run of play through Fabio Carvalho in the 20th minute.
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Pre-match, City boss Pep Guardiola admitted Haaland wasn't back to 100 per cent fitness quite yet.
"He is still a little bit away as when we were in Abu Dhabi, that first part when we returned, he still had that pain that he had before the World Cup break," the Spaniard admitted. "But yeah, he is getting better, in a better condition and he is good."
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Liverpool, Carabao Cup
