Online Reporter
ERLING Haaland scored twice after Phil Foden had opened the scoring as Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League by comfortably beating floundering rivals Manchester United at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side came into the game with some concerns having suffered back-to-back defeats before the international break but any fears of another loss were allayed with goals from two players who enjoy playing against United.
“100 percent I had extra motivation going into the game, it was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now. The lads gave everything. It wasn’t a pretty match but it was all for him,” said Phil Foden.
“There has been a lot of talk. It’s impossible (not to hear outside talk). Everything has been quite negative but that’s the world that we live in when you are playing at the highest level.
“When you come off winning the player of the season award the standards are higher and I understand that. It’s about reading those comments, reacting as well as possible and getting back to my level.”
The win was a poignant one on a day when City paid tribute to former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, a well-known fan of the club whose death aged 46 was announced earlier yesterday. Speedy winger Jeremy Doku was pivotal for the first two goals, jinking through with quick feet to pull the ball back for local boy Phil Foden to head home the opener on 18 minutes. — BBC Sport/Zimpapers Sports Hub.
