Striker broke the deadlock after 71 minutes with a close-range blast for Manchester City securing three crucial points before the end of our second game, which temporarily propelled Manchester City to the top of the table.
In Short
Haaland’s Return to Manchester City
Having been sidelined for weeks due to injury since November’s draw against Liverpool, this marks Haaland’s first goal and return to the scoresheet, which he expressed his joy about.
🚨 GOAL | Manchester City 1-0 Everton | Haalandpic.twitter.com/3yLbtgdvYZ
— VAR Tático (@vartatico) February 10, 2024
He expressed, “The sensation is remarkable, to be back on the field and commence at home, it truly uplifts the spirit, and emerging victorious adds an exhilarating touch.””It’s true, the Manchester City has now won ten games in a row. I’ve been practicing on my right foot for the past few months.”
“I like to run towards goals like this. I should have done it against Brentford, and I did it today, which is good because it shows improvement.”
“We made small changes during halftime. Little details, keeping on the move and keeping the pace high because they will tire out. We got chances, we scored, and we won, that’s the most important thing.”
“It’s dreadful [getting injured]. I really don’t like it. But, it appreciates going into training every day, it appreciates the meetings before the game, and it appreciates the nerves before the game. It forces your mind to think differently.”
Also Read : “Phil Foden’s Hat-Trick Spurs Manchester City’s Comeback: Brentford 1-3 Man City Match Review”
“When discussing training, I hold it in high regard as I am acutely aware of the void it fills when absent.”Haaland’s second goal of the game and 16th of the league season came from a magnificent through ball by Kevin De Bruyne, placing it perfectly into Haaland’s stride, before slotting it past the goalkeeper, marking a stellar return.
🏴 Goal: Haaland | Manchester City 2-0 Evertonpic.twitter.com/rxGOTCH78Q
— FootColic ⚽️ (@FootColic) February 10, 2024
Haaland Partnership with De Bruyne
Haaland is enjoying his partnership with De Bruyne and believes their connection is natural.
“I try to create equal runs with everyone, but with him, it’s something more like I know I’m getting it right. I know the ball is coming.”
“You can see that when he has the ball, I don’t even look at it for two seconds because my focus is on running towards the goal.”
“That’s the difference, it’s not anything bad for the other players, but it’s just knowing the ball is coming.”
“It’s more natural. For me, I watch a lot of football, so I’ve seen for years where he plays the ball and in the last five years, he hasn’t changed anything in that aspect of where he plays it.”
“For me, it was about getting in there and finishing off those actions.”
Despite being sidelined for two months due to a bone injury, Haaland’s hunger for goals and striker’s instinct remains intact as he led his team to a 2-0 victory against a struggling Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola clearly stated on Friday that with Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne playing, Manchester City had a higher chance of winning, but then he took the risk by leaving out Belgium from the starting lineup. Unluckily, Manchester City failed to register a shot on target in the first half for the first time since August 2021 as Everton kept 10 men behind the ball and preserved their lives.
De Bruyne and Kyle Walker offered more thoughts for Manchester City when they were introduced, but ultimately it was Haaland who created the difference by scoring an early goal in the 71st minute with a confident finish from inside the box.
This win means that Manchester City will stay at the top of the Premier League table for at least a few hours before playing against Burnley. However, the best news for Guardiola’s team was the return to form of Haaland.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Ederson (6/10):
Made a brave block on Ben Godfrey’s shot and took a knock to the face for it. Kept only the second clean sheet in the Premier League since October.
John Stones (6/10):
Solid in his fifth league appearance of the season but still lacks the swagger of last season.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Marshaled the defense well, ensuring Everton posed little threat. Also chipped in with a crucial goal in the opposition box and played his part in the decisive goal.
Joao Cancelo (5/10):
Made a poor pass that Everton could have capitalized on more. Didn’t push forward enough and was substituted due to Walker’s arrival.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Showed improvement in the left-back position and helped send the ball to Haaland’s path for the first goal.
Midfield
Phil Foden (7/10)
The most creative player in the first half alongside De Bruyne. Received more support in the second.
Rodri (6/10):
Strong and controlled. City has now gone a year without losing a match with Rodri in the lineup.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Replaced Alvaro after 13 minutes remaining.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Took a risk by leaving out De Bruyne and Walker but rectified his mistake with double substitutions. Improved with a couple of changes but still has room for improvement.
Overall, it was a hard-fought victory for Manchester City, and the return of Haaland proved to be crucial in securing the win.
