(Football news) Manchester City striker Erling Haaland continued his red hot form by scoring twice as Pep Guardiola’s team went on to defeat FC Copenhagen 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian striker scored with his very first touch of the ball in the 7th minute and went on to double his tally in the 32nd minute. His two goals mean that Haaland has now netted 19 times in just 12 appearances for City, a staggering record to say the least. 

To make matters worse for the Danish club, they conceded an own goal through David Khocholava in the 39th minute and a penalty by Riyad Mahrez in the 55th minute ensured that there was no way back for the visitors. Julian Alvarez then went on to score his first Champions League goal in the 76th minute thanks to some excellent play by Jack Grealish in an utterly one sided fixture. The result means that the reigning champions of England have now qualified for the knockout stage with nine points from three games and currently top Group G, eight points ahead of third place Sevilla. 

Manchester City under Pep Guardiola have taken pride in adopting a passing game over the years, but the inclusion of Haaland means that they now have a striker who hardly passes, hardly touches the ball, yet is extremely clinical in front of goal. As things stand, Alan Shearer and Andy Cole’s record of 34 goals in a season is most likely to be broken and ideally, Haaland’s target should be to break Dixie Dean's tally of 60 league goals almost a century ago. Yes, he’s been that good! Moreover, the Norwegian has scored 8 goals in 22 UEFA Champions League appearances with a goals-per-game record of 1.27. To put this matter into perspective, there are 98 teams in the competition with a worse goals-per-game record than the Norwegian.

Speaking about Haaland and a potential release clause in his contract, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said “It is not true. He has not got a release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. It is not true, that is all I can say. The rumours, people talk, we cannot control it. We must worry about what we can control. He adapted really well and I have the feeling that he is incredibly happy here. We will try, with all the people who want to stay here, to make them happy. That is the most important thing. In the end, what is going to happen in the future, nobody knows. What is important is that he is settled perfectly here, he is happy and he is incredibly loved by everyone. This is the most important thing." 

Guardiola also went on to address Kyle Walker’s injury by saying “It will be for a while. I don't know exactly but weeks. It is something abdominal. It will be a while out. I don't know how long. Maybe the club will make a statement the next day, I don't know exactly, but he will be out for a while.” When asked if the fullback will be available for the World Cup next month, Guardiola replied “I don’t know. I cannot say anything else. I don't know. Kyle will be a little bit out. We will see with the statement. I am not a doctor. Hopefully, he can get it, of course. Like Kalvin [Phillips], I know how important the World Cup is for the players. But honestly I do not know right now."

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