Erling Haaland has said it was a “crazy fantasy” for him to score for Manchester City as they beat Leeds United 3-1 on their return to Premier League action after the World Cup break.
Haaland – who was born in Leeds when his father Alf-Inge represented the club – haunted his hometown club with two second-half goals as City moved within five points of ladder-leaders Arsenal.
The prolific Norwegian missed two good chances as the champions dominated the opening period, before Rodri poked them ahead on the stroke of halftime.
He was not to be denied after the break, though, tapping home following an error from Liam Cooper before doubling up with a right-footed finish.
That meant Haaland reached 20 Premier League goals in record time on his 14th appearance, helping City move back into second place despite Pascal Struijk’s 73rd-minute consolation for Leeds.
“With my father on the tribune (in the stand) over there, it’s special,” Haaland told broadcaster Amazon Prime.
“I am happy today, it’s a really special moment in my career.
“When I was young I had a jersey of (then Leeds midfielder) Eirik Bakke in my room and also a City jersey of my father’s, so it’s really weird.
“It’s my craziest fantasy that I could be at Elland Road and score for Manchester City against Leeds.”
City almost went ahead within 40 seconds, but Illan Meslier got a hand to Haaland’s chipped effort after the striker was released by Nathan Ake.
The Leeds goalkeeper made another one-on-one save from Haaland on the half-hour mark, before Jack Grealish missed two glaring opportunities to break the deadlock – the second a dire mishit from Rico Lewis’ cut-back.
The hosts’ resistance was finally broken in first-half stoppage time, with Rodri pouncing to bundle home when Meslier denied Riyad Mahrez following a flowing City move.
Leeds were masters of their own downfall five minutes after the restart, as Cooper’s sloppy pass allowed Grealish to steal possession and tee-up Haaland for a simple finish.
Haaland had his second of the game just past the hour, Meslier failing to keep out the City striker’s powerful right-footed shot.
“We’re delighted for the fact of how humble he is,” City coach Pep Guardiola said when asked post-match about Haaland’s contribution.
“He’s an exceptional guy, with a (good) work ethic. He’s a great threat for the opponents having him there.”
Leeds cut the deficit 17 minutes from time when Struijk headed Sam Greenwood’s corner beyond Ederson.
“We know we have enough quality in our team not to be in a relegation battle,” Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said of his 15th-place side.
– with PA
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