Erling Haaland made a strong comeback with a two-goal performance for Manchester City after a prolonged absence due to a foot injury. Despite City’s winning streak and strong standings in the league and Champions League, Haaland expressed doubt about the team’s chances of repeating last year’s historic treble, aligning with manager Pep Guardiola’s assessment of the slim likelihood of such an achievement. Reflecting on his time off the field, Haaland admitted that the experience had been difficult for him, but emphasized how it gave him a newfound appreciation for training and the nerves before games. Moreover, he discussed the significance of returning to play and highlighted his improvement in skills, particularly with his right foot.
Following the 2-0 victory over Everton, where Haaland scored both goals, Manchester City briefly led the Premier League standings, only to be surpassed by Liverpool’s win against Burnley. City boss Pep Guardiola praised the team’s performance and highlighted the significance of their victory, particularly acknowledging Haaland’s impact on the game. Guardiola also noted the challenge posed by Everton’s organization and emphasized the impact of tactical changes and the return of key players such as Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne in the match.