Manchester City beat Leeds United 3-1 on Wednesday thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Rodri. Haaland is certainly familiar with the local team, having been born in Leeds when his father was playing for the club. The Norwegian also knows the Leeds coach well. during a spell at RB Salzburg.
Before the game, Marsch claimed that his former player texted him about the meeting. The American coach even joked that he asked Haaland to get injured before Wednesday’s game. After all, the Norway international has terrified virtually every team he has faced this season. However, Haaland played and scored a double against his former coach.
The opening goal came seconds before halftime
While the Premier League’s top scorer scoring goals wasn’t exactly surprising, City’s first goal came from an unlikely source. Defensive midfielder Rodri gave the reigning champions the lead just seconds before the halftime whistle. The Spain international rebounded a shot from Riyad Mahrez in the 45th minute. It was Rodri’s first goal of the season in any competition.
Haaland needed just six minutes in the second half to put his name on the scoreboard. It would be one of the easiest scoring chances of the season for the striker. Leeds defender Liam Cooper delivered the ball straight to Jack Grealish in midfield. The midfielder then finally connected with a simple pass to Haaland to double City’s lead.
Haaland maintains record scoring pace as City pummel Leeds
Grealish got his second assist in 13 minutes when Haaland converted a shot from close range to make it 3-0. Haaland’s brace means he now has a staggering 20 goals in just 14 Premier League games. He is on pace to erase the top-flight record for goals in a 38-game season.
The hosts were able to recover a goal late in the second half. Pascal Struijk’s header past Ederson from a corner kick to make it 3-1. However, that’s all Leeds could muster going forward.
City needed victory on Wednesday to keep pace with league leaders Arsenal. The Gunners are now five points clear of City, but the two teams meet twice before the end of the current campaign.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
