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Erling Haaland has stepped into the history books of the English Premier League. The Norwegian phenomenon opened the score for Manchester City against Everton just before the half hour mark. Good for his 21st (!) Goal of the season. A record. No player ever scored again before January. And that while the World Cup put the Premier League on hold for more than a month. However, Haaland’s goal would not be enough for the win. Demarai Gray scored the equalizer with a fantastic goal. City closes the year in second place.
Jens Jacobs
Manchester City has digested the World Cup break well. The troops of coach Pep Guardiola put aside major competitor Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and Leeds also won in the competition. With a home game against Everton, the Citizens hoped to close the year in beauty with a convincing victory.
That intention was immediately clear on the field. City tapped Everton, where Red Devil Amadou Onana appeared at the start, redneck, but was not creative enough to put goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to the test. But when Riyad Mahrez found Erling Haaland after a great action, the goalkeeper was still beaten: 1-0, a dream start for Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates, and that without really shining.
Also Erling Haaland’s 21st goal in the Premier League this season. A record. No player has ever scored more goals in the Premier League before the new year. And that while the competition was halted for a month due to the World Cup in Qatar. Phenomenon. It remains to be seen whether the Norwegian sharpens his record in the second half.
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Gray gives City an early New Year’s hangover
City seemed to have won the victory and sat back in the second half. Everton, who could not cause any danger before half-time, came more and more into the game. That even resulted in a goal. Demarai Gray went for a walk in Manchester City’s defense but seemed to get stuck. The 26-year-old attacker pulled himself loose and scorched. Goalkeeper Ederson couldn’t help but watch as the ball flew into the far corner.
Coach Pep Guardiola’s troops shook up another true final offensive, but they were unable to score. City dives into the new year with a division of points and a second place. If it wants to extend its title, it will have to do better in 2023 or hope leader Arsenal still collapses.
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