*Goals: Foden 8', Haaland 53', 68'
*More to follow
 |
Foden (number 47) celebrates his opening goal. Photo: AFP |
Foden (number 47) celebrates his opening goal. Photo: AFP
The first half was a tense affair with few chances. However, in a flash of brilliance, Jeremy Doku cut inside past Luke Shaw on the right side of the penalty area and delivered a cross to Foden, who headed the ball into the far corner to open the scoring. No Man Utd player was marking Foden in this instance.
While their attack failed to create clear opportunities, the visitors' defense continued to show vulnerabilities. In the 53rd minute, Leny Yoro failed to contain Doku, allowing the Belgian forward to set up Haaland, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
With a two-goal lead, Man City comfortably retreated into a defensive, counter-attacking posture. Manager Ruben Amorim brought on Harry Maguire, hoping to capitalize on the center-back's aerial prowess. However, before Maguire could make an impact, he misplaced a pass and lost possession. Man City quickly countered with Bernado Silva's through ball to Haaland. The Norwegian striker calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, making it 3-0.
 |
Haaland's placed shot extends the lead to 3-0. Photo: Reuters |
Haaland's placed shot extends the lead to 3-0. Photo: Reuters
The Etihad crowd erupted after this goal. Tens of thousands of fans rose to their feet, turned their backs to the field, linked arms, and jumped repeatedly in the "poznan" style. The television cameras shook, despite having reduced the zoom.
Haaland could have secured a hat-trick had he not missed a golden opportunity in the 55th minute. Man Utd's defense lost the ball outside the box, allowing the 25-year-old striker to break through and round Bayindir, but his shot hit the post in front of an empty net. Manager Guardiola initially jumped for joy, only to be stunned as the ball stayed out.
Nevertheless, the three-goal cushion was more than enough for Man City to see out the match comfortably. Man Utd created a few dangerous chances, including a spectacular volley from new signing Bryan Mbeumo. But in his Premier League debut, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced an incredible save. After this, numerous Man City players rushed to embrace the Italian goalkeeper in appreciation.
Donnarumma's assured performance may be the foundation for Man City to rediscover their form from previous seasons. Meanwhile, Man Utd continues to exhibit problems that extend beyond the goalkeeper position.
Xuan Binh
