Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored his first brace at Old Trafford as they beat Manchester United 3-0 in a heated Premier League derby on Sunday.
Playing in front of the home fans did not actually make the Man City players lose their courage. They even appeared dominant and managed to control the game well.
Man City’s front players took turns to create opportunities. Meanwhile, in the home camp, Man United tends to play defensively to keep their goal from being conceded.
Unfortunately, these efforts were in vain when Man City managed to take the lead. Erling Haaland did his job well as penalty taker after Man City was awarded a penalty in the 26th minute.
Slowly but surely Pep Guardiola’s troops returned to playing pressing. One goal from Haaland made them play more confidently against Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the home side who were left behind tried hard to find a moment to rise. The first half match ended 1-0 in favor of Manchester City.
After halftime, Manchester United was made even more depressed. The Man City players again controlled the game by playing their trademark short balls.
Five minutes into the second half, Haaland put his name on the scoreboard again. The Norwegian striker put the ball into Andre Onana’s goal after using Bernardo Silva’s pass.
Two goals ahead, Man City apparently isn’t finished yet. Exactly 10 minutes before the match ended, Phil Foden took part in Man City’s goal celebration against Man United. The 3-0 score lasted until the final whistle sounded.
Pep Guardiola’s side are third in the standings with 24 points after 10 matches, two points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
United, who suffered their first defeat in four matches in all competitions, are eighth with 15 points.
Manchester United have lost six of their last eight games against their city rivals, including a 2-1 defeat in last season’s FA Cup final.
“Unbelievable. Fantastic win and the match was amazing and the team, everything,” said Haaland.
“This is definitely one of the best wins,” added midfielder Bernardo Silva.
“To win 3-0 away with this crowd, I think it was definitely one of the best performances.”
Haaland converted a penalty in the 26th minute when VAR showed that Rasmus Højlund brought down Rodri in the area.
The Norwegian striker calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom right corner for City’s first penalty awarded in 27 visits to Old Trafford in the Premier League.
City, who had lost their previous two away league games, dominated play at Old Trafford.
City scored again shortly after the break, when Bernardo Silva sent in a cross and Haaland, who was standing free and unmarked, calmly headed the ball into Onana’s goal.
Phil Foden scored the third goal in the 80th minute after goalkeeper André Onana parried Rodri’s shot and it landed at the feet of Haaland who then crossed for Foden.
The goal left many United fans frustrated and leaving the stadium early.
The score of 3-0 lasted until the referee blew the long whistle as the match ended.
