Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City got back on track with a 3-0 derby win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden headed City in front inside the first half but Ruben Amorim’s side were in the game until Haaland took it away from them in the second half. Jeremy Doku and then Bernardo Silva twice sent him clear and the Norwegian striker did the rest.
Gianluigi Donnarumma did have to pull off one spectacular save on his Premier League debut to keep out Bryan Mbeumo but Benjamin Sesko struggled for service and for all United’s endeavour they lacked the cutting edge that Haaland brings to this City side.
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Phil Foden heads City ahead after a delightful Jeremy Doku run
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Erling Haaland doubles City’s lead with clever chip over Altay Bayindir
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Erling Haaland bags a brace in the Manchester derby!
That was proven late in the game as United missed chance after chance. City’s win puts Pep Guardiola’s side back on track after back-to-back defeats prior to the international break, lifting them above a United side who now have four points from their four games.
In the closing stages, it was the name of Ricky Hatton chanted repeatedly by the home support. News of the boxing legend’s shock passing had broken earlier in the day and there were emotional tributes beforehand. He would have enjoyed the result.
Foden stars on return
This was Foden’s first start of the season, having skipped England duty to work on his fitness. There were no signs of his ankle troubles, playing with confidence when deep and still making those forward runs in support of Haaland from a central position.
Doku was the architect of his goal, the tricky winger shifting the ball quickly to break United’s back line before finding his team-mate’s head with the cross at the second attempt. But there was more to Foden’s display than that with silky skills throughout.
A delightful flick to Doku allowed the Belgian to assist Haaland for the key second goal. Foden was not at his best last season after winning the player of the year award in the previous campaign. If he can get back to his best, what a boost that would be for City.
