Haaland stars for Man City as he adds to impressive tally

Manchester City 2 - 0 Everton

Erling Haaland struck twice to extend his extraordinary scoring run and lift Manchester City to second in the Premier League with a hard-fought win over Everton.

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

View from the stands

The Norwegian arrived back from international duty in prolific form after a hat-trick for his country, and his two second-half goals at the Etihad took his tally to 23 in just 13 appearances for club and country this season.

For much of the first half, Haaland had been kept subdued, but he burst into life after the break, rising to head in Nico O’Reilly’s cross for the opener. Moments later, he added a second, sweeping home from Savinho’s cutback, helped by a deflection off James Tarkowski.

Until then, David Moyes’ side had looked the more threatening. Everton carried the momentum of their dramatic win over Crystal Palace before the international break, with Iliman Ndiaye proving a constant menace to the City defence.

The Senegal forward, who scored at the Etihad last season, intercepted a stray Nathan Aké pass but saw his low cross flash beyond Beto at the back post. His powerful strike soon after was superbly tipped over by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

At the other end, Everton defender Jake O’Brien was relieved to see his looping header come back off his own crossbar, while Savinho twice went close for City, denied both times by Jordan Pickford.

But once again, it was Haaland who made the difference, underlining his status as the Premier League’s most ruthless finisher.

The man who made the difference again

City players celebrate.

Haaland  appears to be on a personal mission to make amends for last season, when City ended the campaign without silverware.

It was far from a straightforward afternoon for Pep Guardiola’s side, who were fortunate not to fall behind in the first half, but the presence of one of the world’s most lethal finishers proved decisive again.

Haaland came close to claiming his third hat-trick of the season late on, only for Jordan Pickford to twice deny him when clean through.

Full-backs Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes both went close before the break, firing narrowly wide, but City only began to find their rhythm in the second period.

After a steady start to the season, City now look a formidable proposition once more. Their unbeaten run across all competitions has stretched to eight games, and they briefly moved top of the Premier League on goal difference before Arsenal’s win over Fulham later in the day.

Guardiola will also be encouraged by the return of several key players from injury, with Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic all making appearances from the bench in the second half.