Erling Haaland was once again the difference-maker as Manchester City cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United in the 197th Manchester derby. The Norwegian striker, who has now scored seven goals in an extraordinary week for club and country, struck twice in the second half to kill off the contest and reaffirm City’s title credentials, Softfootball reports.
Haaland’s brace marks his sixth and seventh goals in the past seven days came after Phil Foden had opened the scoring with a smart header midway through the first half. By the 68th minute, the Etihad was already bouncing, with United unable to cope with the relentless pace and power of Pep Guardiola’s side.
For Guardiola, the performance was another reminder of Haaland’s importance, not only in attack but also helping the team defensively and other areas of the pitch . The forward contributed six defensive clearances, epitomising the all-round commitment that has made him indispensable.
Speaking with tp the press during the post match reactions and conference via the team’s official website, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the Norwegian striker, He said;
Erling never disappoints us since he arrived,
Erling has the commitment, that is why he signed a contract for many years. He’s a special player.
The City boss also reserved praise for Abdukodir Khusanov, who delivered a composed display at right-back against dangerous opposition. With a grueling schedule ahead, Guardiola emphasised the Uzbek’s importance, he said:
We have in the next 11 months to play every three days. No human being can do that. I know for his physicality, he’s so fast, and closed that side really well. [He didn’t] lose too many balls — sometimes his energy makes him make not the right decision. Dorgu is so fast, and he has incredible speed. Today Kodir was really good.
It wasn’t just Haaland and Khusanov who caught Pep’s eye. Phil Foden, who rolled back the clock to his best form from the 2023/24 season, was singled out for his creativity, intelligence, and trademark flair. “We missed him so much,” Guardiola admitted, later saying;
“He moved behind the striker. He has the sense of the team and quality to keep the ball. We cannot forget two seasons when we won the last game against West Ham. He was the key player to win the Premier League. Last season, for injuries and other reasons he could not be with us but hopefully step by step he can get back. He is a Manchester City supporter, and he can do what he’s able to do. Joy and happiness on his face and we’re going to have the best Phil.”
With Haaland ruthlessness infront of goal, Khusanov assurance at the back, and Foden rediscovering his spark, Guardiola’s men responded emphatically to recent setbacks and sent an ominous message to the rest of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, after the game ,Manchester City posted via the team’s official X handle, a celebatory message congratulating New Goalkeeper Giannlugi Donnarumma on his Debut and first Clean sheet for the blue side of Manchester, see below;
Pep Guardiola and his team will now turn their attention away from the domestic scene, and unto the first match of the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions league, as the team is set to take on Serie A champions Napoli, which will turn out to be an emotional reunion for both Man City and their former long time Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne who switch over to the Naples side after his contract with the Manchester club expired over the summer.
