Erling Haaland continued his blistering goalscoring form as Manchester City defeated Everton 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to move top of the Premier League.
The Norwegian striker, fresh off a hat-trick for his national team during the international break, struck twice in quick succession in the second half to take his tally to an astonishing 23 goals in just 13 matches for club and country this season.
After a quiet first half, Haaland came alive with his first real chance of the game, rising high to head home Nico O’Reilly’s cross with trademark power. Just five minutes later, he doubled City’s advantage, calmly slotting in from Savinho’s cutback — a shot that took a slight deflection off Everton defender James Tarkowski.
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Before Haaland’s heroics, Everton had looked the more threatening side, creating several dangerous chances. Iliman Ndiaye, who scored at the Etihad last season, gave the City defence trouble throughout the first half. He intercepted Nathan Ake’s misplaced pass but Beto failed to connect with his low cross, while Gianluigi Donnarumma made a stunning save to deny Ndiaye’s thunderous strike.
City also had moments of luck, as Everton’s Jake O’Brien narrowly avoided an own goal when his header struck the crossbar. Meanwhile, Savinho saw two first-half efforts saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
However, once again, Haaland proved to be the difference — delivering when it mattered most to hand Pep Guardiola’s side another crucial victory in their title pursuit.
