Although Manchester City didn’t dominate the first half as they usually do at Stamford Bridge, they still managed to take the lead, thanks to Erling Haaland’s quick thinking under pressure and clinical finishing. The Norwegian forward calmly chipped the ball past Robert Sanchez from close range, bringing his total to 91 goals across all competitions for the eight-time Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola now sees Haaland as reaching the same scoring heights as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a post-match interview after City’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea, Guardiola commented: “He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything. In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don’t know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in the Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable.”
Guardiola continued: “I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. After travel last season, he felt a bit ‘mmm-mmm’ [so-so] or felt he was tired. This season, I think for the Euros unfortunately Norway was not there, there was more rest and yeah, he feels good.”
“The goal was magnificent. His contribution is in many things. He had two or three chances and always I had the feeling there is a gap to improve as a football player.”
Haaland, who has won the Premier League Golden Boot for the past two seasons, has often faced criticism for his lack of involvement in general play. Guardiola has acknowledged this as an area for improvement, and Haaland has expressed his determination to keep refining his game beyond just scoring goals.
Manchester City will play their first home game of the Premier League season against newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 24, as they aim to secure a second consecutive victory.
Erling Haaland
Erling Håland
This season he played in total once for 90 minutes for Premier League.
Erling Haaland scored 1 goal for Manchester City. He procured no assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Premier League. In the last match Manchester City won 2-0 against Chelsea. The next match in Premier League will be against Ipswich Town.
Manchester City performance and stats
Manchester City is currently 3rd in the Premier League with 3 points.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 2 goals and conceding 0.
Manchester City will play the next match in Premier League against Ipswich Town on Saturday 24th of August in Manchester.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
This season he played in total 12 times for 1034 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 12 goals for Inter Miami. He procured 10 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami won 2-1 against Chicago Fire.
Inter Miami performance and stats
Inter Miami is currently 1st in the Major League Soccer with 53 points.
In the last 25 games, it has won 16 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Inter Miami won 2-1 against Chicago Fire.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 56 goals and conceding 39.
Inter Miami will play the next match in Major League Soccer against Cincinnati on Saturday 24th of August in Fort Lauderdale.