Manchester City is staying on the heels of leaders Arsenal in the English Premier League, thanks in part to star striker Erling Haaland.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker scored three times in the 6-3 (4-0) match against Manchester United, making him the first player to score a hat-trick in three consecutive home games in the Premier League. The Norwegian has scored 17 times in 11 games for Man City. Phil Foden also managed a hat-trick. The Citizens won both derbies clearly in the previous season.
Foden (8′) gave the champions the lead in a one-sided game before Haaland increased the result (34’/37′). A minute before the regular end of the first half, Foden also scored his second goal. Antony brought United close (56′), but Haaland (65′) and Foden (72′) remained on target. In the final phase, Anthony Martial reduced the penalty (84th/90th/penalty kick).
Gundogan as captain
In the table, the team of coach Pep Guardiola, who counted on the German national player Ilkay Gündogan as captain in the starting eleven, moved up to one point behind the leaders from London. United had recently stabilized with four wins in a row, but in the derby the record champions were inferior in every respect.
Cristiano Ronaldo was again only on the bench with the guests. From there, the Portuguese saw City start strong. Foden and Haaland ensured a comfortable lead in the first half. Before the change of sides, both teams had to change due to injuries. Both City defender Kyle Walker and Raphael Varane from sixth in the table had to leave.
Some United fans left the stadium at half-time after their team’s poor performance. They didn’t miss the big show, but they missed the goals from Antony and Martial. In between, Haaland and Foden were there again.
