Erling Haaland hailed a ‘perfect start’ to the season after scoring in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.
Haaland opened the scoring as the Premier League champions got their title defence up and running with a comfortable win at Stamford Bridge, with the Norwegian marking his 100th appearance for the Citizens with a goal.
He ghosted into the box and held off a challenge from Marc Cucurella to make it five goals in three opening-weekend games since signing for City.
Pep Guardiola’s team were rarely troubled in West London and Mateo Kovacic sealed the win late on against his former side. Haaland was delighted as the champions opened up with three points.
“Three points, a perfect start,” the 24-year-old said to Sky Sports.
“First games are always hard, for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you had a pre-season or not. I had a long pre-season but I don’t feel perfect, I’m not in the perfect state. It’s good to get that win.”
Can Haaland get even better? The million-dollar question
Haaland has now scored 91 goals in 100 appearances for Manchester City, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest goalscorers in the game.
However, some have suggested Haaland can get even better, should he become more involved in the game outside the penalty area. Haaland outlined his desire to get more assists but said finding the right balance between build-up and goalscoring is the ‘million-dollar question’ around his development.
“I knew exactly what to do, I think it was a really good goal. I remember last year he made a really good save against me, it had been irritating me for a long time, so yeah, it was a perfect goal.
“The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That’s the important thing. Pep [Guardiola] says this to me all the time.
“I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants. But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question. I want to get more assists and become a better player.”
