Erling Haaland took no time to continue where he left off from last season as he scored twice in Manchester City’s opening Premier League match against Burnley.
Heading into the curtain raiser, Pep Guardiola’s City side are once again the clear favourites to lift the Premier League in May after their spectacular treble last season.
On Friday night, the champions were in for a potentially tricky night against newly promoted Burnley, who are managed by City legend Vincent Kompany.
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In front of a packed-out Turf Moor, City took no time to take control of the match as they started on the front foot.
And after just three minutes, City were ahead as last season’s Golden Boot winner Haaland poked home after the ball was headed across the box by midfielder Rodri.
With 10 minutes to go till half-time, Haaland was at it again as he finished brilliantly inside the penalty area to make it 2-0 to City.
After scoring his second of the night, the Norwegian produced a stone-cold celebration in front of the crowd.
Whilst on commentary for Sky Sports, former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said: “He's hardly been involved in the game, but he's got two goals. That's what he does. Burnley just switch off on the far side. Haaland doesn't look at the goal, he just knows exactly where it is.
“One touch, right into the top corner. That's why he's the best goalscorer in world football right now.”
He added: “Burnley have been very unlucky to be 2-0 down and not on the scoresheet. They don't have anyone of the quality of the man at the other end.”
It has been a tough return to the Premier League so far for Kompany and Burnley as they found themselves two goals down to the Champions despite playing some neat football.
Topics: Manchester City, Burnley, Football, Premier League, Erling Haaland
Marcus Chan