A Manchester City leader looks hungry for a big season | OneFootball

Erling Haaland scored a brace in Manchester City’s 4-nil win over Wolves at Molineux. Pep Guardiola’s side began the new Premier League season in style with their emphatic victory. There was a host of good performances from City’s players at Molineux. Haaland scored a brace, but his performance has been overlooked given the quality displays from Tijjani Reijnders, Oscar Bobb, and others. But watching Haaland’s performance, it was clear to see that he is hungry to lead from the front this season.

Erling Haaland’s brace against Wolves and overall performance were a good sign for Manchester City.

Haaland scored a brace, and his goals were the ideal snippet of what he adds when he’s at his best. His first goal came in the 34th minute from a tap-in at the back post after some sublime play from Tijjani Reijnders, who played in Rico Lewis. Lewis put a quality ball for Haaland to tap into an empty net. Haaland’s positioning was superb to take advantage of a Wolves defence that was pulled apart by Reijnders driving run and quality chipped ball.

Erling Haaland’s second goal came via a superb finish in the 61st minute after Oscar Bobb and Tijjani Reijnders tore through Vitor Pereira’s side’s defence on the break. Reijnders pull back found Haaland, who fired past Jose Sà with an emphatic finish. The fact that Haaland dropped deep to receive the ball on the edge of Wolves’ box to fire home was great to see.

Erling Haaland’s celebration after his second goal at Molineux spoke volumes. It was a celebration full of emotion. Haaland at that moment looked like a man possessed. After last season’s difficulties, it did seem like that goal was a release for Haaland and his team.

Erling Haaland’s overall performance was full of intent.

At times, Haaland suffered from a lack of service during the early stages of Saturday’s match. But while he wasn’t heavily involved in the play, Haaland did help Manchester City’s press when Wolves had possession. He did help his team put pressure on Vitor Pereira’s side. There was an intent to Haaland’s actions and that was great to see. It spoke of Haaland’s intention to lead from the front as one of the players in Manchester City’s captaincy group for the 25/26 season.

Erling Haaland looks hungry to have a big 25/26 season. But perhaps the most telling comments about Haaland’s performance at Molineux came from Pep Guardiola after Saturday’s match. The Manchester City manager said that Haaland is looking like the player he was during his record-breaking debut season at the club. In comments relayed by Manchester Evening News, Guardiola said: “I see Erling’s rhythm and speed, and how it helps us. It’s quite similar to his first season here. We need him.”

Erling Haaland looks hungry and determined to help lead his team this season. If his performance on Saturday is the marker for what lies ahead, he could be set for a massive season for Manchester City.