The World Cup break has become beneficial for the Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, as he scored twice to reach his 20th goal of the season and beat Leeds United. Follow for more soccer match news here!
Leeds United failed to at least clinch a single victory from their last eight Premier League home games against the reigning champions (D2 L6). The last time the club clinched the victory was in 1999 against Arsenal (1-0). Despite that defeat, Leeds had made the reigning Champion work hard as the City took 45 minutes to register the opening goal with Rodri at 45+1’. You may visit us for more English Football scores here!
The Manchester City Manager had high praise towards the performance of the Norwegian striker and he believes that the World Cup break made only Haaland’s get better by building his fitness and avoiding the mental stress. “I think he is still not at his best because of the injury, to move his huge body is not easy for him but as much as he can play, minutes will be better,” Guardiola told reporters. “I had the feeling he is not at his best. It is a matter of time. [He is] always an incredible threat for the opponent. The numbers are unbelievable but I have the feeling he is not just coming here for the numbers, he wants to win it. Still there are 70 points to play for.”
This huge victory at Elland Road helped Manchester City maintain their spot at the second place of the EPL standing, lagging just five points behind the league-leader Arsenal. Haaland scored his 19th goal of the season at the 51st minute of the match with an assist from Jack Grealish who made an impressive one-on-one with Leeds’ goalkeeper before sliding it across to Haaland who made a simple tap-in.
In just 14 appearances at the Premier League, Haaland scored an impressive 19 goals and 25 goals in 20 appearances under the umbrella of Pep Guardiola. In the 64th minute of the match, Haaland scored his 20th goal this season, and second in this match with another connection from Jack Grealish who completed an empathic one-two move with the striker, Haaland finished it with a powerful effort to delivered it at the corner of the net.
Despite the doubles from Haaland, he still was not satisfied with his performance and admitted that he can score five at Elland Road to make the Premier League comeback for Manchester City more memorable. “He missed chances, hopefully he can do better, but the numbers are exceptional, an incredible threat for us and always in the right position at the right time,” Guardiola said.
Haaland addressed the questions of reporters and media about him watching the World Cup and he said: “I kind of recharged my batteries and to watch other people score and win games in the World Cup kind of triggers me and motivates me and also irritates me. I’m more hungry and more ready than ever.”
Jesse Marsch was impressed by the performance of Haaland, his former player, “I am just really happy for him. In some ways watching him score is painful, I want him in a different kit. But when you know some of these young men, and you see their qualities as people, you want them to do their best , just not against your team. But my gosh, I am happy for him, he is such a great person.”
Currently, Manchester City have scored 43 total goals this season, which is more than any other Premier League side, similar to the goals that they conceded (15).
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