Erling Haaland once again provided the firepower for Manchester City as they ground out a 2-1 win at home to Brentford. The red-hot striker scored both of City’s goals in a first-half flurry which started with Yoane Wissa putting the visitors ahead on 22 seconds.
The Blues’ comeback preserves their flawless start to the Premier League season and guarantees that they will finish this weekend at the top of the table after Liverpool‘s shock defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.
With that, Express Sport takes you through four key talking points from an entertaining contest at the Etihad Stadium…
Erling Haaland goals rampage continues
No player had ever started a Premier League season with nine goals in their first four games until Haaland dinked in his second against Brentford. And the Norwegian’s brace was made even more impressive by the fact he could have skipped the game on compassionate grounds following the death of a family friend.
Haaland was in no mood to miss out on more goals following consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham. This time out, the City marksman smashed in right-footed after being fed by Kevin De Bruyne, and skilfully finished a one-on-one by shrugging off Ethan Pinnock and converting Ederson’s long-range pass. He could have collected another match ball if one of his numerous late chances found the net.
Arsenal and Liverpool get glimmer of hope
Haaland’s goal-fest is all well and good, but reading between the lines uncovers a fact which may make City fans feel slightly uncomfortable. That is: Of the 11 goals they have scored in the Premier League this season, nine of them have come from Haaland.
The rest of City’s squad have scored twice between them in four matches. That will be of little concern to Pep Guardiola providing Haaland stays fit, healthy and in-form, but it also means an injury to the 24-year-old could be catastrophic.
The reigning champions’ goals are not being spread evenly, and that should encourage their main title rivals, Arsenal and Liverpool, particularly given that City did not sign a replacement back-up striker after selling Julian Alvarez in the summer.
Ederson one from Premier League summit
City’s stopper is in a league of his own in terms of goalkeepers with on-the-ball ability. On Saturday he proved that again by hoofing upfield to create Haaland’s second goal and notch the fourth assist of his Premier League career. Paul Robinson is the only keeper with more (five) but the former Tottenham and Blackburn Rovers man finished his career with 122 more top-flight games than Ederson currently has on his CV.
Rodri returns
Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic have done a fine job of anchoring City’s midfield in the absence of Rodri, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Euro 2024 final. The Spaniard made his comeback as a half-time substitute against Brentford, and the quicker he gets up to speed, the better for Guardiola with games now set to come thick and fast.