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Haaland's brace lifts Manchester City to second in Premier League
Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's convincing Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, propelling the defending champions to second place after a rare scoreless outing last week.
The Norway striker, who failed to find the net in City's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, returned to form with a clinical first-half double at the Etihad Stadium. Despite missing chances for a hat-trick, Haaland's performance reinforced his reputation as one of football's most lethal finishers, drawing comparisons to legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Guardiola praises Haaland's 'outstanding' impact
City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Haaland's contributions, noting his 13 league goals this season-eight of which came in home doubles-and 26 across club and country. The Spaniard emphasized the striker's mental resilience and team-first mentality.
"Have you seen the numbers of that guy? Of course he has [reached Messi and Ronaldo's level]. The numbers from Cristiano and Messi have been for 15 years... This is that level."
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
Guardiola also highlighted Haaland's work ethic, calling him "incredibly coachable" and "down to earth," while acknowledging City's reliance on his scoring-17 of their 26 goals in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Cherki partnership and defensive struggles
Haaland's goals were set up by summer signing Rayan Cherki, who returned from a six-week thigh injury. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who scored in City's season opener, provided two precise assists, forging an instant understanding with the striker.
"My job is give the ball to Erling and he scores."
Rayan Cherki, Manchester City forward
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola admitted the difficulty of containing Haaland, praising his speed and finishing: "When you press higher and concede at the back, he is super fast." Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson echoed the sentiment, calling Haaland's goal tally "ridiculous" and predicting record-breaking potential if he remains in the Premier League.
City's title ambitions and Haaland's selfless approach
Despite criticism over City's over-reliance on Haaland, the striker deflected attention, emphasizing team success over personal accolades. "I didn't score last game," he told Sky Sports. "I try to help the team win-that's my goal."
With six Premier League titles in eight years and a 2023 Champions League triumph, City's dominance shows no signs of waning. Haaland's partnership with Cherki and his relentless scoring form suggest another competitive campaign ahead.
Key statistics
- 13 Premier League goals in 10 games (only Les Ferdinand in 1995-96 matched this pace).
- 26 goals total for club and country this season.
- 65% of City's goals in the Premier League and Champions League (17/26).
- Highest xG (9.20) in the league without a penalty.
