Kicking off the 2022/23 Premier League season against West Ham, Manchester City were expected to have a fight on their hands on the first day of the campaign.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side put every doubt to bed with a dominant 2-0 win at the London Stadium, as Erling Haaland starred with a stunning brace.
While Manchester City found it somewhat of a tall task to break David Moyes’ side down initially, the Norwegian striker emerged as the difference maker on the day.
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For the opener, the 22 year-old expertly won a penalty by darting in behind the Hammers backline and getting on the end of a crisp Ilkay Gundogan pass.
From 12 yards out, Erling Haaland did what he does best and slotted the ball past a hapless Alphonse Areola in effortless fashion.
The Premier League champions were in cruise control for the majority of the clash, and doubled their lead in the 65th minute, thanks to the towering marksman once again.
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Kevin De Bruyne’s wand of a right foot proved key, as he played an inch-perfect through ball to the former Borussia Dortmund superstar, who capped off his brace with a well-taken finish.
The Belgian playmaker, who kicked off his Premier League campaign with a sensational assist, reflected on his side’s terrific victory at the London Stadium.
“It’s always tough to come here and I think we played well for the first game."
He continued, "We made some mistakes but I think we controlled the game.
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"To come here, we know it is difficult so I think it was a good first game from us."
De Bruyne went on to sing Erling Haaland’s praises after his Man of the Match display, but emphasised that he aims to set up whoever plays up front for the Sky Blues this season.
“I’m not worried about that (his relationship with Erling Haaland).
"Whoever is going to play up front. If it’s Erling (Haaland) or Julian (Alvarez), I’m going to try and find them,” he stated.
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The midfield maestro further touched on his much-discussed partnership with Manchester City’s new star striker.
“Obviously, sometimes, it’s not 100% yet but we’ve only played a couple of games.
"He will make the runs and if I find him, he will score the goals.
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De Bruyne continued, "He’s there to score goals and help the team, he did that today. I’m not putting too much pressure on him. I know there’s a lot of hype around him and obviously to start this way is good for him.”
Ultimately, the good news for Manchester City remains that with Kevin De Bruyne as their side’s chief creator, both Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez are set to have a field day up top as they aim to lift their third successive league title.
Topics: Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand