Norway’s top scorer deceived Wes Fodringham the last chance when he had his chance from the penalty spot just before halftime, but the shot hit the post at the end. The missed penalty was Haaland’s fourth in 37 attempts in his career.
Haaland faced difficult working conditions against hard-working Sheffield United defenders, and Yarboine several times asked for a penalty after grueling wrestling matches inside the penalty area.
But after just over an hour, things eased up for the Norwegian. A great cross from Jack Grealish found its way to the back post as Haaland promptly made it 1-0.
A few minutes before the end of the match, Jaden Bogle equalized for the home team, but Spaniard Rodri settled the match in favor of the team shortly after.
This allowed City to collect three points, which means its rise to the top of the table.
Well organized home team
After half playing in the first half, Dutchman Nathan Ake hit the ball into the goal after a free kick, but the goal was disallowed after Rodri was offside in the previous move.
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However, under the Sheffield sun, it was the City side who struggled to create the big thing before half-time. Less than ten minutes before the end of the first half, Halland had a golden opportunity from a penalty kick, but the Norwegian’s attempt hit the post.
After the break, Haaland was again dangerous in attack on several occasions, and an hour later the match was stopped by Fodringham’s brilliant save. However, the last chance couldn’t have done much when the Norwegian leaped into the air at the back post and scored with a header just over an hour later.
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Just before 90 minutes, Jaden Bogle equalized with a superb goal, but midfielder Rodri saved the day for City when he fired the ball into the net afterwards.
Guardiola’s absence
On Sunday afternoon, there was no Pep Guardiola on the bench for Manchester City. The Spaniard underwent back surgery in Barcelona earlier this week and the 52-year-old will remain in Spain to reach the hook.
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– Viaplay’s Tor Uli Skelrod said of the head coach’s absence before kick-off: “The players are very united and pushed into the Guardiola mentality, so it’s without a doubt the most painful thing for Pep.”
– Pep was not with us physically, but he participated in all the preparations for the match, said assistant Juanma Lillo.
Manchester City started the Premier League season flawlessly with three points against both Burnley and Newcastle.
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