Erling Braut Haaland had not scored in four games for Manchester City before the meeting with Brighton.
The Premier League matches against Wolverhampton and Arsenal, the League Cup match against Newcastle and the Champions League match against Leipzig were all completed without Haaland on the scoreboard. But against Brighton it was again in the back of the net for the Norwegian – for the first time in the Premier League since 23 September.
GLIS: Haaland could smile broadly after his first PL goal since 23 September.
Photo: JASON CAIRNDUFF / Reuters
– Never slept around Haaland. If he doesn’t score in two or three games, don’t say he isn’t producing. The best strikers can do it, and he is one of the best, says Sky Sports expert Clinton Morrison.
Carlos Baleba lost the ball for Brighton in their own half, and Haaland intercepted it. He took the ball several meters before tapping in with his left foot to make it 2-0.
– His ninth this season. The goal drought is over, says Viaplay’s commentator Eivind Bisgaard Sundet.
Doku-show
City already had a good grip on Brighton before Haaland’s goal.
The light blues got off to a dream start after just seven minutes, then through Julián Álvarez. Jérémy Doku was responsible for the preparation, got loose on the left wing and crossed to Álvarez who put the ball between the posts for Jason Steele.
And Doku in particular received praise for his performance.
– He looks like a budding star, said Sky Sports reporter Ron Walker.
CELEBRATED TOGETHER: Here Doku celebrates City’s second goal, signed by Haaland.
Photo: JASON CAIRNDUFF / Reuters
Just over ten minutes later, Haaland doubled the score to 2-0 after a cannon shot with his left foot.
– Haaland has hardly touched the ball so far, but he has a hammer of a left foot. Slams the ball into the net, a precision finish. Heartbreaking, former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio after the goal.
Manchester City now tops the Premier League table, before Arsenal and Tottenham have played their matches.
Had to go out on a stretcher
But Brighton managed to create some tension in the match eventually. Not long after a great chance by Kaoru Mitoma, Ansu Fati reduced it to 2-1 for the away team.
The reduction came after a great City chance where Álvarez shot at an open goal. Brighton defender Lewis Dunk was cleared, the ball ended up with Mitoma who sped up. He got the ball into the 16-metre area, where the ball was cleared to Fati, who sent in the shot from about seven metres.
SCORET: Spain’s Ansu Fati reduced for Brighton.
Photo: JASON CAIRNDUFF / Reuters
Suddenly, Brighton had momentum in the game, but were unable to capitalize on it in terms of scoring.
Just before full time, Solly March also went down for a count after a duel with Bernardo. The Brighton player was left lying down and eventually had to be carried out on a stretcher. He was substituted, but City had to play the final minutes of added time with ten men when Manuel Akanji received his second yellow.
THE INJURY: Solly March appeared to have suffered a serious injury and had to be carried off on a stretcher.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
A minute’s silence and the passing of a legend
Before the match, a minute’s silence was observed to honor those affected in connection with the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Along the way, there was also a piece of news that will probably be marked by the red-clad from the other side of Manchester tonight.
During the break between City and Brighton, word came that Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. Manchester United meets Sheffield United at 21.00 Saturday.
2023-10-21 16:03:30
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