Manchester City picked a hard-fought and priceless 2-1 win over Newcastle United tonight at the Etihad Stadium. Nico O’Reilly’s brace was crucial to City’s win who had to fight and scrap their way to victory tonight. Eddie Howe’s side put in a determined display and made the match a nervy affair for everyone associated with Manchester City. Nico O’Reilly and Rodri were superb throughout tonight’s match for their team. As was Erling Haaland. Haaland put in a selfless display as he did everything his team needed to ensure that they moved within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Erling Haaland put in a superb all-around display against Newcastle.
Typically, when covering Erling Haaland, his goals form the backbone of the story. Scoring goals is Haaland’s specialty, and there are articles everywhere covering this aspect of his play. Haaland didn’t score tonight at the Etihad, but his overall performance across the full 90 minutes was absolutely brilliant as he played a key role in a huge win for Manchester City.
Erling Haaland grabbed an assist as he set up Nico O’Reilly’s second goal of the match. Haaland’s cross to the back post found O’Reilly unmarked, who headed City into a 2-1 lead. Haaland’s role in that goal was vital, as it was the goal that gave Manchester City the lead that they would hold onto until the final whistle. Outside of his assist, it was Haaland’s overall performance and willingness to sacrifice his own game for the cause that was so crucial to Manchester City’s win.
Erling Haaland was the out ball for Manchester City in the second half. City’s number-nine relished the physical battle with Newcastle defender Dan Burn. Haaland’s ability to take possession and drive at the Newcastle defence, helped City create openings in the second half. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take them.
More important than that, Erling Haaland’s defensive work was superb. Newcastle United had a plethora of set-piece opportunities in the second half. Often, it was Haaland who was there to head the free kicks away. He marked Dan Burn at set pieces, and so often tonight Haaland won that aerial and physical duel. He also tracked a dangerous Anthony Gordon run late in the second half, which spoke volumes about how much Haaland was willing to do for the cause.
Manchester City needed Haaland and his teammates to fight for the cause.
Speaking after the match, Marc Guehi praised the performance of Erling Haaland during tonight’s match. Guehi added that Pep Guardiola had singled out Haaland for special praise after tje match. In quotes relayed by CityXtra, Guehi said: “The manager just gave him a little speech inside, to be honest! How amazing he was today, his work ethic is amazing; fighting for every single ball against Dan [Burn]… He’s a real focal point for us at the top of the field, and I’m glad he’s done so well for us today.”
Pep Guardiola believed that Haaland was man-of-the-match for his team tonight against Newcastle. He explained: “Erling Haaland today was the Man of the Match for me [vs Newcastle], the Man of the Match. Because he fought with [Dan] Burn, against man-marking you have to play more direct, and if you don’t fight for those balls 50/50, no chance. And he did it!”
Manchester City needed all of their players to fight for the cause today to overcome a plucky Newcastle side. They all did this, but no one typified this more than Erling Haaland. Haaland was superb tonight in a different manner than usual. It wasn’t Haaland’s goals that grabbed the headlines; instead, it was his willingness to do whatever it took for his team that was striking at the Etihad. Haaland set the tone in a way, and if his performance tonight is any indication, he is set to play a key role in Manchester City’s title push in a variety of ways, which makes him and his team infinitely more dangerous.