ERLING HAALAND’S brilliant double, including a fourth-minute opener in this Premier League curtain-raiser, showed he could somehow surpass last season’s 52-goal record-breaking.
The Manchester City’s two instinctive strikes killed off eager Prem new boys Burnley, who fought well before the break but finished with 10 men.
PASupreme finisher Haaland makes it a first-touch double before the break[/caption]
GettyClaret and punch as Haaland enjoys landing his second lethal blow[/caption]
Man City goal machine Erling Haaland celebrates taking less than four minutes to slide home the first strike of the Premier League seasonReuters
ReutersHaaland wraps his foot round to steer Man city in front before Prem new boys Burnley had any chance to settle[/caption]
Once again, Haaland needed to contribute little beyond his goals.
But Vincent Kompany’s Clarets pushed City back with passion and a a handful of threatening raids.
The Treble winners then produced typical possession play to ensure a smooth second period rodri adding a third goal.
Haaland’s instinctive positioning enabled him to hook home after just 186 seconds when Rodri headed a corner back across goal.
The Clarets bustling back into contention well, winger Luca Koleosho a skilful, wriggling menace.
And City saw Kevin de Bruyne limp off in despair, sparking fears the leg injury that marred his 2022-23 run-in is still lingering.
But on 36 minutes Haaland’s strikepartner Julian Alvarez nicked the ball back for the Norwegian to crack a supreme left-footer into the far top-corner.
Rodri then confirmed City’s victory in the 76th minutes, firing home following a scramble at a free-kick.
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It left boss Pep Guardiola able to take off Haaland – with Alvarez going closest to a fourth.
But that would have been harsh on Burnley, especially for their fervour and decent share of play before the interval.
Clarets’ sub Anass Zaroury saw red in stoppage time following repays of a late lunge on Kyle Walker.
GettyKevin De Bruyne shows his frustration as he is forced if with injury in the first half[/caption]
ReutersAnother angle of Haaland’s devastating early breakthrough[/caption]
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