Kevin de Bruyne is back, Phil Foden is firing... and now Erling Haaland has found his shooting boots. So, how do you stop Manchester City?
Haaland's goal drought came to an end against Everton, where he showcased his brilliance and gave his side a crucial lead in spectacular style. After enduring 419 Premier League minutes without a goal and 17 failed attempts, the Norwegian striker finally broke the deadlock in a game that tested City's patience.
Haaland's Moment of Brilliance
For more than an hour, Everton's defensive resilience frustrated City and limited Haaland's opportunities to find the net. But in the 71st minute, from a corner, Haaland seized the chance and smashed the ball into the back of the net. His finishing was nothing short of incredible.
City boss Pep Guardiola praised his team's second-half performance and Haaland's resilience. "The changes in the second half gave us another rhythm and of course Erling is back," Guardiola said. "To have this player, when the ball is there from a corner, and the finishing was amazing."
Haaland's Instinctive Talents
Haaland's first goal against Everton was a powerful strike from a corner, highlighting his instinctive talents in front of goal. Despite being kept quiet for most of the match, Haaland's ability to turn any opportunity into a goal sets him apart.
"TNT pundit Rio Ferdinand said, “Haaland hadn't had a sniff before, but he doesn't care. He is in his absolute prime in terms of physical capabilities. He looked way off the pace, but he doesn't care. 'Let the ball bounce anywhere near me, and I'll bag it.'"
Erling Haaland's first goal was a powerful strike from a corner.
Haaland's Unconcerned Attitude
Haaland's goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, as shown by his record of 52 goals in his first 50 Premier League starts. Even when kept quiet for most of the match, he always finds a way to make an impact.
Everton manager Sean Dyche admires Haaland's ability to score without needing many touches. "That's why he is who he is," Dyche said. "He doesn't have many touches some games, but he scores. That's the key. Just score a goal, that's the trendiest thing you will ever do, and Erling showed that today - he just went 'bang'."
Even though Haaland went 76 days without scoring, he remained joint-top of the Premier League goal charts. His 16 league goals so far, coupled with his undeniable talent, will play a significant role in City's pursuit of success this season.
City's Depth and Superpowers
City's strength lies in their incredible depth, allowing them to make substitutions without a drop in quality. Against Everton, Kevin de Bruyne, who recently returned from a long-term injury, made a significant impact, providing an assist for Haaland's goal.
City's ability to replace players without losing momentum sets them apart. "The standards don't drop, no other team in Europe can do that. That is the powerhouse they have become," said Ferdinand. City's players on the bench could easily walk into any other Premier League side.
Kevin de Bruyne’s 12 assists for Erling Haaland is the most of any Premier League player for a specific team-mate in all competitions since the start of last season.
With 10 consecutive wins in all competitions, City's dominance continues to grow. As they vie for success in the FA Cup and the Champions League, their depth and interchangeability make them a formidable force.
Conclusion
Erling Haaland's return to form, coupled with City's depth and superpowers, has solidified their position as one of the most dominant teams in football. His instinctive goal-scoring talents and unwavering confidence make him a force to be reckoned with.
City's ability to seamlessly replace players without a drop in quality sets them apart from their competitors. As the business end of the season approaches, it's clear that City's pursuit of success shows no signs of slowing down.
Note: All images courtesy of tzm.vn
