Erling Haaland played a key role in Manchester City’s 2-0 opening day win at West Ham United with his brace. After the game, the striker analysed in his usual blunt manner.
“Good start. There’s not much to say. A good start. 2-0, good start.” Erling Haaland’s conclusion after the win at West Ham was apt. After ManCity and Haaland’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield, the league opener was a success – for the champions and the striker himself. Both goals were scored by the brawny Norwegian and were his first competitive goals in a Skyblues shirt.
Nevertheless, Premier League debutant Haaland admitted to Sky: “It should have been more. Was he referring to the missed treble? In addition to the two chances he had taken, he had even missed other opportunities, including shortly before his substitution in the 78th minute. “Yes, it was a bit shit,” Haaland said, “but that’s just the way it is.”
Against the Hammers, the former Dortmund man showed the first signs of the chemistry City wanted with playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. Time and again, the Belgian and Ilkay Gündogan in particular sought out Haaland and his deep runs – as they did for 2-0, with the Skyblues number 9 easily converting a fine pass from De Bruyne. “There will be a lot more to come,” announced the double-pointer, “I’m not worried about that.”
Haaland had scored the first goal from the spot. With Riyad Mahrez, the actual penalty taker, on the bench, Haaland, after being fouled by Alphonse Areola, grabbed the ball directly – and converted. Was he then completely without doubt that he would also score? “Yes.”
Haaland was also succinct in his outlook for the coming games, in which ManCity want to further emphasise why the championship will only go through them again this year: “We have to keep going. “
