Erling Haaland made an immediate impact in the Premier League, scoring a superb brace away against West Ham.
A few debated Manchester City's new No.9 following a difficult day and a stunner from 5 yards out over Liverpool in the Community Shield.
But, despite a quiet start at the London Stadium, he quickly shown why City paid £51 million to buy him in as their primary man up front after 2 seasons without a renowned striker.
The 22-year-old made his debut in the 35th minute with a brilliantly struck penalty earned after a blazing run in behind saw him cling onto Ilkay Gundogan's ball and force the foul from substitute goalie Alphonse Areola.
Welcome to the Premier League Erling Haaland! 👏
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 7, 2022
He puts Man City in front at West Ham from the spot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/qofv35u4YI
.@ErlingHaaland vs West Ham [1st-half]:
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 7, 2022
1 goal
100% duels won
91% passing accuracy
100% passing accuracy in the final third
5 touches in the opposition box
2 big chances
1 foul won
[via @Squawka]
And it was his 2nd goal that put the Premier League on full alert. Kevin De Bruyne fizzed in a wonderful pass that wiped away the whole Hammers backline during the 65th minute of game.
Haaland turned those enormous strides to solid use by racing clear and finishing first time.
2️⃣ goals on his @premierleague debut ✅
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 7, 2022
⚒️ 0-2 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/KQPBdxAtQr
The combination play between Erling Haaland and De Bruyne was spectacular, and it will definitely be the first of several goals duo will link up for this season and even beyond.
Can’t get enough of this link-up! 🤤💙
— CornerKicks-Football (@cornerkicks365) August 8, 2022
@KevinDeBruyne x @ErlingHaaland #ManCity pic.twitter.com/o1vn3aMnMG
Wayne Rooney, who scored 208 goals in the Premier League history, feels Haaland will clinch the Golden Boot title and will make the difference in the title fight.
We've waited for this moment... and it didn't disappoint. 🤤💙 @ErlingHaaland pic.twitter.com/OjN1m2jsU9
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 7, 2022
[The 24-year old Erling Haaland has so far proven his strengths at the top standard in the Champions League, and the last Saturday against Liverpool he placed himself in the correct positions, attempting to find opportunities, moving smartly, and looking fast, sturdy, and aggressive in his running], he stated in his article for The Times prior to Haaland's electric 1st Premier League outing.
[Perhaps the major way City scores under Pep Guardiola is through low balls delivered across the penalty spot].
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| Image: Alamy |
Erling Haaland scored in the same way in his City debut in a friendly against Bayern Munich, and the 2 major chances he missed against Liverpool were in central positions 6 yards out that he had got into during attacks where City turned play wide.
If he continues doing all that, score after score will occur — because his finishing talent is undeniable.
Featured Image Credit: Image: Sky Sports