ERLING HAALAND amazed fans, pundits and his manager Pep Guardiola by scoring an incredible “karate kick” for Manchester City last night.
Guardiola’s men took on Sparta Prague at the Etihad on matchday three of the Champions League’s new “League Phase”.
City led 1-0 at half-time via Phil Foden’s strike, before really turning on the style in the second period.
Just short of the hour mark, Haaland provided a piece of skill that will live long in City’s fans’ memories.
Winger Savinho took on his full-back, jinking towards the byline.
He then prodded a cross towards City’s centre-forward.
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With the pass far from perfect, Haaland used all of his hulking 6ft 4in frame to make the ball his.
The Norwegian, 24, launched himself into the air – showing remarkable athleticism to get to the ball.
While 1.96m off the ground, Haaland’s lethal left foot made contact with the ball, directing it towards goal.
As the striker landed in a heap, his shot bounced beyond the reach of goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.
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Haaland then gingerly got to his feet, while wearing a smug grin on his face.
His team-mates, who surely must be used to his exploits by now, were left stunned by the goal.
Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake both put their hands on their heads.
Speaking after the game Matheus Nunes, who grabbed City’s fifth in their 5-0 win, admitted that he was “speechless” after Haaland’s goal.
Chatting to TNT Sports, he said: “It was an amazing goal. I was speechless after his shot.”
Referencing one of Haaland’s previous wonder-goals, he added: “When he scored against Dortmund I was watching on TV and to see this live, it was amazing.”
Guardiola, 53, could be seen simply applauding his striker’s brilliant goal.
He then gushed after the game: “I didn’t know how he scored. For a human being, I would say no [it’s not normal].
“He made a fantastic goal. He can touch 15 or 20 balls but have seven or eight chances. It’s unbelievable.”
‘I’D HAVE PULLED MY GROIN!’
Foden, meanwhile, joked: “I just spoke to him and said: ‘If I tried to do that I’d pull my groin!’
“I don’t know how he did it I just think it’s just his long legs. He’s a freak, isn’t he?”
Opposition coach Lars Friis lamented: “What can you say? He’s maybe the best striker in the world. He’s world class. We felt we had good hands on him but then he pops up with a goal like this.”
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City’s win saw them set a new Champions League record for games unbeaten in the competition.
Their tally now stands at 26 – with last season’s penalty shoot-out exit to Real Madrid not counted as a defeat by Uefa due to both legs finishing as draws in regulation time.
Man City ratings vs Sparta Prague
By Ken Lawrence
MANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.
The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.
Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.
Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.
The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.
John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.
Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.
Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.
SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…
Stefan Ortega – 5
Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.
Nathan Ake – 5
Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.
Manuel Akanji – 5
Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.
John Stones – 7
Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.
Rico Lewis – 6
The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action display
Matheus Nunes – 7
He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.
Savinho – 5
Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.
Phil Foden – 7
It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.
Erling Haaland – 9
Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.
Subs
Mateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5
Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.
James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5
A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.
Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5
Just a pleasant walk in the park….
Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5
He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.
Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5
The young attacker replaced a living legend.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
