As his proud father Alfie watched on, Erling Haaland ended up as Manchester City’s hero again. His brace clinched victory against Brighton and before the clocks wind up, he has an astonishing 17 Premier League goals.
The Norwegian’s tally is 22 in all competitions. The last sack consisted of a goal from the first route and a penalty which was given after a lengthy VAR review of a foul on Bernardo Silva.
On his star man, Pep Guardiola said: “Obviously, the numbers are incredible and there is no doubt about his quality. He is very ambitious and helped us win the game.
“This was a very tough match, one of the toughest, but I can’t complain about my team. Brighton played man to man and it’s not easy at all, with the ball they are very, very good. I am so satisfied because it was complicated, they impose a game that we are not used to. When we let them play they have a process [in the build-up] this is exceptional – they make an extra pass, it’s not reaching and crossing. I like how they play: have the ball.”
Guardiola’s observations were correct: Roberto De Zerbi’s team showed courage and high collective talent. His problem was this: Guardiola and his City players exude these characteristics.
Haaland’s first goal was refreshing as it came from a long-ball ploy that is supposedly anathema to Guardiola’s masters of passing and movement. Ederson provided a supreme assist, the keeper’s 50-yard effort bouncing one time into Brighton’s half before Haaland grabbed his chest, teed up Adam Webster and, with Robert Sanchez stranded, had his right boot in execution
The second came when referee Craig Pawson overturned his initial decision not to award a penalty about two minutes later as play continued after the incident. Silva had gone for the ball and Lewis Dunk stuck out a foot and connected with the midfielder’s leg. Haaland coolly beat Sánchez with the penalty. On the extended VAR episode, De Zerbi said: “They can do it, but not after five minutes like they did.”
Kevin De Bruyne heads the ball past Robert Sanchez to put the game beyond Brighton. Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images
Haaland could have claimed his own strike early in the first half, so one question when the teams switched heads was whether he could claim a fourth home hat-trick of this astonishing season in City colours.
At 2-0, Brighton could tell they still had a sniff, but City forged ahead without ever going through all those well-geared gears that obliterate so many opponents. When Kevin De Bruyne ripped through the Seagulls and beat Riyad Mahrez 3-0 it seemed inevitable. But the Algerian shot straight at Sanchez and, moments later, Brighton struck. Manuel Akanji was robbed by Leandro Trossard, who exchanged passes with Solly March and Trossard’s 20-yard finish was squeezed in at the near post by Ederson, the missing keeper.
This made Guardiola spin in disgust and the orange ones rallied further. Tariq Lamptey, a substitute, threaded the ball in and Trossard again beat Akanji but his header missed. Mahrez, De Bruyne and Haaland probed, but City were far from their best bet. Brighton were proving to be a serious foe and the champions were in a contest, Trossard was a standout performer whose next act featured a chip towards Danny Welbeck, and when the game moved up the other end , Pascal Gross’ Rodri scythe illustrated his advantage.
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Phil Foden came on, always a sign of Guardiola’s concern when he is sent out to find a rested big gun, with Mahrez the shortstop. City needed the cushion of a third to ensure they got back to winning ways after last Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool. It was a struggle. A dance and shot from Haaland claimed a corner instead of the desired result. But Silva wandered down the left and rolled the ball in and De Bruyne struck majestically from 25 yards to finally end the game.
Both managers were excited. “Kevin scored a goal that was magnificent but we would fight until the end to avoid a draw or defeat, but sometimes it’s important to understand the game we have to play,” said Guardiola.
De Zerbi said: “Kevin De Bruyne’s goal was incredible, it closed the game. In the second half we played very well, with much more energy. At half time I told my players that I wanted them to have more confidence in themselves. Without the ball in the first half we were good, but with the ball we could be better”.
Brighton might be proud, but so are City – having to undo the whole afternoon and come out on top.