After a brace against Young Boys in midweek Erling Haaland looms large ahead of the 191st Manchester derby this weekend. The Norwegian striker has scored 3 goals in his past 2 games and is beginning to hit his straps.
Heading into Sunday’s clash with rival Manchester United City’s number 9 will go into the game in good form. He put in a match-winning display against Young Boys as his second-half brace was the difference between the two sides.
A #UCL brace for @ErlingHaaland! ✨ pic.twitter.com/54MDOUx5fk
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 26, 2023
Haaland also put himself about in City’s 2-1 win over Brighton last weekend and was rewarded with a goal for his fine all-round display.
Our Move of the Match against Brighton! 🤩@ErlingHaaland slots home our second! ✌️
🤝 @Sure pic.twitter.com/VctcVxcPQU
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 22, 2023
Besides the goals in Haaland’s past two games, he has been involved more in general play. He has dropped deep to receive the ball and linked up well with his teammates. He was unfortunate to have an assist chalked off against Young Boys. Julian Alvarez had a goal disallowed for a handball from Jack Grealish in the build-up. Haaland had played in a precise through ball to play Alvarez through on goal.
Pep Guardiola praised Haaland’s all-round performance following the win over Young Boys. The City manager said: “He is involved in the games and participates more in our process. I don’t want him to just to be there in the box and score goals. If he is there involved when we arrive in the box he will be more clever.”
Erling Haaland looms large over this weekend’s derby. He heads to Old Trafford in arguably his best form of the season.
