Erling Haaland scores as Manchester City begin their Premier League title defense with a win

CNN
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It was business as usual for Manchester City in their first game of the English Premier League season as the reigning champions beat Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, superstar Erling Haaland scored the team’s opener – the striker has now scored 91 goals in 100 appearances for Manchester City.

The Norwegian dribbled past the Chelsea defenders before slotting past the onrushing keeper to give the visitors a first-half lead in the 18th minute.

Mateo Kovačić then sealed victory in the 84th minute with a long-range shot, City doing their job despite lacking their usual fluidity.

City manager Pep Guardiola said it was a “privilege and honour” to be in charge of the team and compared Haaland’s goalscoring form to two of the greatest players in history.

“There are numbers for (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Guardiola told reporters after the match.

“In terms of numbers, he’s at that level. I don’t know how he does it. To score 91 goals in 100 games in the Premier League in this country is unbelievable.”

Haaland was quiet for certain periods of the match against Chelsea, but came into action when he was needed.

His first goal of the new season was the perfect example of how unstoppable he can be, combining physicality with composure in front of goal.

After running into the box, Haaland stopped defender Marc Cucurella with a powerful right arm before chipping the ball past Robert Sánchez, who deflected into the goal.

Unlike many of his peers, Haaland enters his third season at the club following a solid pre-season.

While others were busy playing for their countries at the European Championship or the Copa America, the 24-year-old was able to enjoy some time off before getting back fit at City.

“I’ve never felt better,” Haaland said of the Premier League after Sunday’s game in an ominous message to the rest of the division.

While City supporters can enjoy the team’s first three points of the new season, Chelsea fans will be worried about how the new campaign will play out.

The London club appear to be in a state of flux and have surprised many with their scattered approach to the transfer market.

The club have more than 40 signed players in their bloated first-team squad and are already giving new manager Enzo Maresca problems in the dressing room.

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has been left out of the squad for the opening game of the season and asked his team to issue a statement hours before kick-off, demanding “clarity on the situation” from the club.

Maresca will be looking to establish some harmony in his squad ahead of next Sunday’s match against Wolves.

Meanwhile, City will look to remain unbeaten when they face newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday.