(Football news) Champions of England Manchester City secured a 2-1 win over German giants Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium with John Stones and Erling Haaland finding the back of the net for the hosts. Pep Guardiola’s team were on the verge of defeat, trailing 1-0 after Jude Bellingham scored the opener for the visitors in the 56th minute but the lead was cancelled out by defender John Stones in the 80th minute. Norwegian striker Haaland then scored against his former club just four minutes later, capitalising on a fantastic cross from Joao Cancelo.

It was clear that City were far from their dominant best and Stones’ attempt that led to the equaliser was their first shot on target. With Haaland’s goal a few minutes later, Guardiola’s team reached the top of Group G with 6 points from two games. The show was largely dominated by 19 year old Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund who showed exactly why he’s one of the best prospects in the world. Marco Reus also had an excellent opportunity in the second half from a counter-attack and the skipper turned provider for Bellingham’s goal who nodded the ball past Ederson. 

Knowing that it was far from City’s best performance, Guardiola introduced Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva which made all the difference. The substitutions helped Erling Haaland have a greater influence during the rest of the game and inject some much needed energy for the home side. It has been a growing trend for City to come from behind and salvage a point or a win, something that Guardiola will want to change as soon as possible. As for Erling Haaland, he’s proving to be not just a bargain buy for Manchester City but arguably the signing of the season, having scored 13 goals already in eight games. Only time will tell if the Norwegian striker can maintain this consistency over the course of the season

Speaking after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said “We had a lot of problems to get our rhythm. We were so passive in our transitions. We struggled. We played in the wrong gear. When we realised we were 1-0 down and changed the dynamic on the field [by making three substitutions], it gave us another rhythm. This is who we are. After Sevilla, people said it was all over, it was done. I tried telling them it is not done. The Champions League does not wait. The Champions League does not forgive you. In the first half, John Stones does not try that shot, he tries the extra pass. We cannot play the 60 to 65 minutes we played. We are a different team." 

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