A double from goal-machine Erling Haaland and another from Phil Foden settled the contest. This latest win has put City in a comfortable position in the group.
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Manchester City enjoyed a comfortable night in the Champions League against Young Boys, as they raced to an easy 3-0 win. A double from goal-machine Erling Haaland and another from Phil Foden settled the contest. This latest win has put City in a comfortable position in the group. However, it was not all straightforward for the defending champions. Manuel Akanji had an issue during the pre-game warm-up and as a result, was replaced by Kyle Walker.
Besides, Manchester City’s versatile defender John Stones also had to be substituted at half time and his injury situation does not look good. However, Pep Guardiola hopes that Akanji could be available for the Premier League contest against Chelsea this coming weekend. The same cannot be said for Stones, who is set to be out on the sidelines for a while. After the match, Guardiola gave updates on both players.
Starting with Stones, Guardiola, quoted on the club’s website, said, “It’s muscular, he’s injured and will be a while out. It’s a pity for him because he’s an incredible professional. He tried to do it. It’s a pity. It’s bad news for us. Bad news for tonight.” Reflecting on Akanji’s situation, he stated, “It was a problem with the back. He was training. When this happened, he looked like 75 years old. He could not play. That’s why Kyle replaced him in that moment. Hopefully not a big issue and he will be ready for Sunday.”
Manchester City supporters might have been forgiven for fearing the worst when they saw Erling Haaland being limped off in the weekend win over Bournemouth. However, the Norwegian striker put the rumours to bed and started the Champions League game against Young Boys, as he got himself a brace. “I didn’t even speak with him. Yesterday, I saw the training session, how he moved and happy he was, and he felt good, so I said okay. For us, Erling is so important with his threat. He felt good so okay he’s going to play. After the job was almost done (against Young Boys), take a rest for Sunday,” Guardiola said.
The first one scored by Haaland came from the penalty spot, however, the next one was a brilliant strike from the edge of the box. Speaking about it, Guardiola said, “Yeah normally he scores from the six yard box and the penalty spot. He has this talent and it’s not the first time he’s done it. The action for Rico was amazing. Phil and Rico attack and I love when we attack in the final third making diagonal passes and break the movement of the opponents. Erling has the ball here and the goal is there and in that position, when he doesn’t think much and shoots, he is clinical. It was a fantastic goal and the second one from Phil was amazing, too.”
He added: “His control and finally, he didn’t shoot strong, he put the ball in the net softly. Always in the early ages when you are 6, 7, 8 years-old, he always had this type of finish and today it was back. You don’t need to shoot strong there, just put the ball close to the post where the goalkeeper can’t get it. He made an incredible action, the pass from Jack was perfect, the control from Phil was amazing. Two beautiful goals.”
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