The Norwegian ended his drought in emphatic fashion as the Premier League champions got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over the Seagulls
Erling Haaland describes himself as a "zombie" and you can never take your eye off him for long, as Brighton found out to their detriment in a 2-1 win for Manchester City on Saturday. The Norwegian had not scored in his last three outings and had had only one shot in his last two Premier League games, but he needed just a sniff of danger to make Brighton pay a heavy price, slamming the ball into the net from outside the area to double the lead.
City had taken an early lead with a one-touch strike from Julian Alvarez, after a breathtaking run from Jeremy Doku, who frightened the life out of Brighton every time he got on the ball. The Seagulls, however, rallied late in the game, and after Ansu Fati reduced the deficit, they started to scare City, with Kaoru Mitoma running Kyle Walker ragged.
Things got more precarious for Pep Guardiola's side when Manuel Akanji was sent off for a second booking, but there were only two minutes of added time left. City, therefore, survived to ensure they got back on track and back to the top of the Premier League table, at least for a short while.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
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Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Such a surprise choice that he was not even on the initial team sheet. Had little to do but stayed aware and thwarted Mitoma with clever footwork. Before then, his kicking was a little suspect.
Kyle Walker (5/10):
Struggled against Mitoma for most of the afternoon, particularly in the build-up to Brighton's goal. Couldn't get forward.
John Stones (7/10):
Made his first start of the season and looked as assured as at his peak. Helped City boss the midfield for most of the game.
Manuel Akanji (4/10):
Struggled to get a grip on Brighton's counter and his sloppy clearance was gobbled up by Fati for the visitors' goal. Things got worse when he was sent off in added-time, meaning he will miss next week's derby at Manchester United.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
Getting more accustomed to City's play with each week.
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Phil Foden (6/10):
Had a nice understanding going with Doku on the other flank. Dictated the play but not as influential as usual.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
A crucial cog in City's passing machine.
Rodri (7/10):
Restored control and order to the midfield after three games out, all of which City lost. Is it any coincidence they won on his first game back?
Jeremy Doku (8/10):
In an electric mood and every time he got the ball, the crowd took notice and Brighton shuddered. Set up the opener and could have scored twice himself.
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Julian Alvarez (6/10):
A classy one-touch finish to put City in front. Dropped deep a lot to try and create more. Should have done better when presented with an open goal, albeit 40 yards out.
Erling Haaland (7/10):
A crashing, no nonsense goal to end his three-game drought. Picked up the loose ball and only had one thing on his mind.
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Jack Grealish (6/10):
Gave City some tactical discipline and some fight when he came on.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Made a rare appearance on the bench, immediately brought on to tighten things up after City conceded.
Nathan Ake (N/A):
Came on in added time.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
After talking up De Zerbi's qualities before the game, it was Guardiola's side who dominated most of the proceedings. However, he will be disappointed with how his side lost their grip on the game late on.