Right, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland celebrates his opening goal in the 4th minute of the match Source: TASR/AP/Nigel French
LONDON – Manchester City footballers entered the new season of the English Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Burnley FC. The defending champion could once again rely on the goals of last season’s top scorer, Norwegian Erling Haaland, who scored twice on the ground of the competition’s newcomer.
Kevin de Bruyne’s start was questionable before the duel. The Citizens captain finally started in the starting line-up, but in the 24th minute the Belgian midfielder got injured again and was replaced on the field by City debutant Mateo Kovačič. Another Croatian defender Joško Gvardiol, for whom Manchester paid 90 million euros, made his first start in the competition under Pep Guardiola from the 80th minute.
The favorite of the match controlled the game in the first half and dominated possession (77:23). Citizens benefited from the activity with two accurate hits from Erling Haaland’s boot. The Norwegian gunner opened his scoring account in the new year already in the 4th minute, when the ball found him on the edge of the small goal.
Photo gallery (8) Erling Haaland surrounded by Burnley defenders Source: TASR/AP/Nigel French
The top scorer of the past year showed his composure in the finish even in the 36th minute and made it 2-0 after a tap-in from Phil Foden.
The defending champion sealed the triumph with a class difference in the 75th minute after a successful finish by midfielder Rodri. At the end of the match, home team Zaroura saw a red card.
During the first act, visiting defender Rico Lewis fell in the corner of the field, and was hit in the head by a lighter flying from the home stands. The home club immediately informed that the spectator was identified and subsequently taken out by the police.
Premier League – 1st round:
Burnley FC – Manchester City 0:3 (0:2)
Goals: 4. and 36. Haaland, 75. Rodri, ČK: 90.+4 Zaroury (Burnley)
Author: © List Source: TASR
2023-08-11 21:14:15
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