ERLING HAALAND took less than seven minutes to return to business as usual.
The Norwegian – who scored 52 times for City last season – was introduced as a half-time sub in their opening pre-season friendly against Yokohama Marinos.
And it was only the 52nd minute when he was back among the goals – turning sharply and firing home from 12 yards.
Then in stoppage time he popped up again to tap home a low cross from Joao Cancelo and round off an entertaining night.
It was quite a turnaround for Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners as they played for the first time since their historic night in Istanbul.
Six weeks on and after just a handful of training sessions, they took a while to get going – as they slipped two goals behind against their sister club.
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Brazilian forward Anderson Lopes cut in from the right and saw his first effort parried by Stefan Ortega – but had time to pounce on the rebound and score at the second attempt.
And Ken Matsubara raced clear of the static defence after a slip by Kalvin Phillips to comfortably beat Ortega and double the lead.
Yokohama – who put six past Celtic last week and are in the middle of their season – were enjoying themselves.
But midfielder John Stones pulled one back as he lashed home from the edge of the box following a break down the right.
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That goal was greeted by a firework display outside the stadium and while that was going on Nathan Ake almost levelled as his header hit the bar.
But just a couple of minutes later the equaliser did arrive – Julian Alvarez stroking home after Phillips charged down the home keeper.
With the scores level at the break, Guardiola threw on ten outfield subs.
Those included last season’s top scorer Erling Haaland and Joao Cancelo – who was shipped out on loan in January following a row with the boss.
Haaland put the visitors ahead before Rodri – who got the winner in the Champions League final – added a fourth.
His strike from the edge of the box was not dis-similar to the one he scored to beat Inter.
More than 61,500 fans were in the Japan National Stadium for this one – and City will be back here on Wednesday to face Bayern Munich.
That will be an interesting night for Kyle Walker, who was made captain here despite the interest from the German giants.
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Yokohama pulled one back late on as Kenta Inoue took advantage of a mix up between Ortega and Rico Lewis.
But Haaland had the final say with a tap in to round off a good night’s work for Guardiola’s men.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
