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Erling Haaland hailed a “implausible workforce efficiency” that noticed Manchester Metropolis overcome a “horrific” begin to beat Chelsea 3-1 this night.
Haaland performed an enormous function with a objective and an help as Metropolis hit again following an early blunder from debutant Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Uzbekistan centre-half, a £33.8million signing from Lens this week, did not take care of a protracted punt ahead and, after permitting it to bounce, may solely nod the ball into the trail of Nicolas Jackson, who squared for Noni Madueke to faucet dwelling.
Josko Gvardiol equalised in the direction of the tip of the primary half earlier than targets from Haaland and Phil Foden secured a win that moved Pep Guardiola’s males again to fourth within the desk.
W! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wqCB8vBU5j
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) January 25, 2025
Haaland informed BBC Match of the Day: “I believe it was total an excellent efficiency although we began horrific. It was a implausible workforce efficiency and I’m actually completely satisfied.
“Once we had the beginning like we did it’s troublesome however we performed rather well and we stored on going and stored on going. We stored pushing and the second half was the identical. Ultimately it’s what we have to do. We have to lock it within the again and hold going attacking-wise.
“It’s that early that it’s nearly such as you begin with -1 objective. This will occur however it’s about protecting going. It’s about that and attempting to have peace of thoughts in your head. That’s what issues.”
Haaland and Ederson mix to nice impact
Haaland’s objective got here after a protracted punt ahead from goalkeeper Ederson with the Norway striker holding off the problem of Trevoh Chalobah earlier than lifting a shot over Robert Sanchez.
“It’s one thing we apply,” added Haaland. “We attempt to concentrate on giving house after which Ederson gave me numerous assists already. It’s about excellent timing as a result of he’s so exact.”
Khusanov’s nightmare efficiency was in stark distinction to that of Omar Marmoush, who regarded energetic on his first look since becoming a member of from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Haaland mentioned: “I’ve seen him within the Bundesliga. It will be implausible enjoying with him. You may see he has one thing particular. I’m trying ahead to enjoying with him and it’ll be a very good time.”
Guardiola happy with essential win
Guardiola was delighted with the way in which his gamers responded to their early setback which got here simply three days after they squandered a 2-0 result in lose 4-2 at Paris Saint-Germain – a end result meaning they must beat Membership Brugge on Wednesday night time to maintain their Champions League hopes alive.
He informed Sky Sports activities: “Not the most effective begin. Fortunate they didn’t punish us for 2-0. After we recovered emotionally and made a very good efficiency.
“We had extra of the ball than the final video games. It was actually essential.”
He added to the BBC: “We struggled these days and it has been a tricky, powerful season. Most gamers have been right here eight or 9 years and I’m not going to alter my opinion in two months. We now have to understand it isn’t sufficient what we’re doing.
“I requested them to step up and we did it. We created sufficient possibilities to attain targets and ultimately I’m actually happy for the victory.
“After all we’d like recent legs with Omar and Khusanov and now we’ve got a closing Champions League recreation on Wednesday.”
Not simple for Khusanov – Pep
Guardiola is assured Khusanov will be taught from his mistake.
“It isn’t simple for him,” he mentioned. “He trains as soon as after which to play in opposition to Jackson and Cole [Palmer] and Madueke and [Jadon] Sancho. It’s a course of once you purchase a participant this younger. He’ll be taught. These sorts of actions are the most effective lesson you may take.”
