(Football News) Erling Haaland has kicked off his second season in English football much like his debut year — by netting two goals in a triumphant effort that launched Manchester City’s title defense in the Premier League.
The Norwegian striker adeptly dispatched clinical finishes in both the fourth and 36th minutes on Friday, propelling City to a comfortable 3-0 triumph against Burnley, a recently promoted team under the management of City legend Vincent Kompany. This marked the inaugural match of England’s top division. The third goal was scored by defensive midfielder Rodri.
During his sensational inaugural year at City, Haaland showcased his prowess by tallying an impressive 52 goals in various competitions, an astonishing 36 of which were achieved in the league. This exceptional achievement significantly contributed to Pep Guardiola’s squad securing an illustrious treble — the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
In a foreshadowing of things to come, he commenced the previous season with a brace against West Ham. He reiterated his prowess at Turf Moor, although it didn’t entirely meet Guardiola’s expectations. At halftime, as they strolled toward the tunnel, the City manager engaged in a discussion with Haaland on the field, even swatting away a camera that was capturing the moment.
“We’re still in the early stages of this marathon, but I’m not feeling stressed. I’m in a relaxed state,” stated Haaland. “My focus remains on continuous improvement, embracing the chaos around me, and delivering on the field.”
The evening wasn’t flawless for City, as they strive to become the first team in English soccer history to secure four consecutive top-flight league titles. Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since his premature exit from the Champions League final due to a hamstring issue, had to be substituted after just 23 minutes upon experiencing discomfort.
Guardiola noted that this was a reoccurrence of the same problem. “It’s unfortunate—while he had recuperated well, we now have to do without him for some time,” said Guardiola.
In addition, during the first half, City defender Rico Lewis was struck by a lighter thrown from the crowd as he lay on the ground near the corner flag following a foul. Burnley confirmed that a fan was removed from the stadium by the police in an incident that marred its return to the Premier League after a single season away.
Haaland swiftly propelled City into the lead with his initial touch of the game. He capitalized on Rodri’s flick-on from De Bruyne’s cross from the right-wing and deftly sidefooted the ball into the bottom corner.
His second goal was even more remarkable, arriving after Julian Alvarez directed a cross from Kyle Walker. With his back facing the goal, Haaland executed a first-time shot on the swivel, striking the underside of the crossbar before finding the top corner.
Haaland had gone without a goal in his past six matches for City, including the Community Shield loss to Arsenal on Sunday. “My approach remains constant—keep working, stay composed, and avoid fixating on negativity,” Haaland commented.
Rodri, who secured City’s Champions League victory against Inter Milan in June, hammered in the third goal from close range in the 75th minute following Burnley’s failure to clear a free kick into the area.
Burnley concluded the match with 10 players when Morocco winger Anass Zaroury received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Walker deep into second-half stoppage time. The referee initially issued a yellow card but upgraded it after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Manchester City, who introduced center-back Josko Gvardiol as a substitute in the second half, will face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. This upcoming match features the victors of the previous season’s Champions League and Europa League.
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