Erling Haaland hailed a “unbelievable crew efficiency” that noticed Manchester Metropolis overcome a “horrific” begin to beat Chelsea 3-1 this night.
Haaland performed an enormous function with a objective and an help as Metropolis hit again following an early blunder from debutant Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Uzbekistan centre-half, a £33.8million signing from Lens this week, didn’t cope with an extended punt ahead and, after permitting it to bounce, might solely nod the ball into the trail of Nicolas Jackson, who squared for Noni Madueke to faucet residence.
Josko Gvardiol equalised in the direction of the tip of the primary half earlier than targets from Haaland and Phil Foden secured a win that moved Pep Guardiola’s males again to fourth within the desk.
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— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) January 25, 2025
Haaland advised BBC Match of the Day: “I feel it was general an important efficiency although we began horrific. It was a unbelievable crew efficiency and I’m actually completely happy.
“Once we had the beginning like we did it’s troublesome however we performed very well and we saved on going and saved on going. We saved pushing and the second half was the identical. In the long run it’s what we have to do. We have to lock it within the again and maintain going attacking-wise.
“It’s that early that it’s nearly such as you begin with -1 objective. This may occur however it’s about preserving going. It’s about that and making an attempt to have peace of thoughts in your head. That’s what issues.”
Haaland and Ederson mix to nice impact
Haaland’s objective got here after an extended punt ahead from goalkeeper Ederson with the Norway striker holding off the problem of Trevoh Chalobah earlier than lifting a shot over Robert Sanchez.
“It’s one thing we observe,” added Haaland. “We attempt to deal with giving area after which Ederson gave me quite a lot of assists already. It’s about excellent timing as a result of he’s so exact.”
Khusanov’s nightmare efficiency was in stark distinction to that of Omar Marmoush, who seemed energetic on his first look since becoming a member of from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Haaland stated: “I’ve seen him within the Bundesliga. It will be unbelievable taking part in with him. You possibly can see he has one thing particular. I’m trying ahead to taking part in with him and it’s going to be a very good time.”
Guardiola happy with necessary win
Guardiola was delighted with the best way his gamers responded to their early setback which got here simply three days after they squandered a 2-0 result in lose 4-2 at Paris Saint-Germain – a consequence meaning they should beat Membership Brugge on Wednesday evening to maintain their Champions League hopes alive.
He advised Sky Sports activities: “Not the most effective begin. Fortunate they didn’t punish us for 2-0. After we recovered emotionally and made an excellent efficiency.
“We had extra of the ball than the final video games. It was actually necessary.”
He added to the BBC: “We struggled recently and it has been a tricky, powerful season. Most gamers have been right here eight or 9 years and I’m not going to alter my opinion in two months. Now we have to understand it isn’t sufficient what we’re doing.
“I requested them to step up and we did it. We created sufficient probabilities to attain targets and in the long run I’m actually happy for the victory.
“After all we want contemporary legs with Omar and Khusanov and now we have now a ultimate Champions League sport on Wednesday.”
Not straightforward for Khusanov – Pep
Guardiola is assured Khusanov will study from his mistake.
“It isn’t straightforward for him,” he stated. “He trains as soon as after which to play towards Jackson and Cole [Palmer] and Madueke and [Jadon] Sancho. It’s a course of once you purchase a participant this younger. He’ll study. These sorts of actions are the most effective lesson you’ll be able to take.”
