Manchester City Kick Off Title Defense with 3-0 Win over Burnley

Manchester City got off to the best possible start to their title defense by beating Burnley 3-0 on Friday at the start of the new EFL season thanks to a brace from Norway’s Erling Haaland.

Early Dominance

Manchester City showed their fangs early and opened the scoring just three minutes and five seconds later thanks to last season’s top scorer Haaland, who caught the ball straight into the net after a header from Spaniard Rodri from a cross from Belgian Kevin De Bruyne.

Fastest First Goal

Thus, Haaland became the owner of the fastest first goal of the new season since Frenchman Paul Pogba for Manchester United against Leicester City in the 2018-2019 season, after two minutes and 23 seconds, according to the Opta statistical network.

Injury Blow for City

Spanish manager Josep Guardiola’s team has been hit hard by an injury to City star Kevin De Bruyne, forcing the Belgian to leave his position in favor of Croatian newcomer Mateo Kovacic (23).

Haaland’s Second Goal

After that, Guardiola’s side couldn’t reach the net despite some attempts until the 36th minute, when Haaland added a second goal from outside the area, which hit the crossbar and hit the net after a cross from Argentinian Julian Alvarez.

Rodri Seals the Win

Although Manchester City dominated much of the second half, Haaland’s two goals continued to separate the two teams until the 75th minute when Rodri scored the third from a free kick.

Red Card for Burnley

Burnley ended the meeting with ten players in the last seconds after Moroccan substitute Anas Zaruri was sent off due to a serious error by Kyle Walker.

Source: agencies