Erling Haaland wasted no time in resuming his strong performance from the previous season, netting two goals for Manchester City in their Premier League opener against Burnley.
Entering the season opener, Pep Guardiola’s City squad once again holds a significant advantage as the favorites to secure the Premier League title in May, following their impressive treble-winning campaign last season.
On Friday evening, the reigning champions were confronted with a potentially challenging matchup against newly promoted Burnley, a team managed by City icon Vincent Kompany.
Amid a capacity crowd at Turf Moor, Manchester City wasted no time in asserting their dominance over the match, commencing with an assertive approach.
In a mere three minutes, City managed to secure the lead, with last season’s Golden Boot awardee, Haaland, slotting the ball into the net following a cross from midfielder Rodri that traversed the box.
With 10 minutes to go till half-time, Haaland was at it again as he finished brilliantly inside the penalty area to make it 2-0 to City.
After scoring his second of the night, the Norwegian produced a stone-cold celebration in front of the crowd.
Whilst on commentary for Sky Sports, former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said: “He’s hardly been involved in the game, but he’s got two goals. That’s what he does. Burnley just switch off on the far side. Haaland doesn’t look at the goal, he just knows exactly where it is.
“One touch, right into the top corner. That’s why he’s the best goalscorer in world football right now.”
DEVASTATING.
A DOUBLE for Erling Haaland, WOW! 😲🔥 pic.twitter.com/nICQtHdDNY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 11, 2023
He added: “Burnley have been very unlucky to be 2-0 down and not on the scoresheet. They don’t have anyone of the quality of the man at the other end.”
It has been a tough return to the Premier League so far for Kompany and Burnley as they found themselves two goals down to the Champions despite playing some neat football.