Because with a powerful header, he helped give Manchester City the nod to three new points against relegation candidate Sheffield United. A Pep Guardiola-less Manchester City had to work hard for victory against newly promoted Sheffield United. They defended well and also neutralized several of the stars in Manchester City’s gallery of attacking stars. At least for a while. Penalty penalty and revenge It looked like it was going to be a really bad day for Erling Braut Haaland. He was dangerous up front on a couple of occasions, but struggled to get to the big opportunities. But he got one from the penalty spot. The striker stepped forward to take the penalty. Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham went early – and to the wrong side – but Haaland’s attempt hit the post. DESPAIRED: Erling Braut Haaland buried his face in his hands after the penalty miss. Photo: Rui Vieira / AP Then the home crowd really woke up, singing songs about Haaland being just a worse version of Billy Sharp, the striker who played 377 games and scored 129 goals for Sheffield United, before leaving the club this summer at the age of 37 years. Every time he missed with a touch of the ball or hit a wrong pass, the cheers from the Sheffield United supporters were almost at the ceiling. “He is still human”, wrote the football website Bleacher Report after Haaland’s penalty miss. EQUALIZED: After the penalty miss, Erling Braut Haaland made up for himself. GOAL MACHINE: Jærbuen now has three goals in as many games. RELIEF: And after the goal he could breathe a sigh of relief. BEAR HUG: This track stormer also got to celebrate with the Norwegian. ECSTASY: Haaland gave the track stormer a hug before being escorted off the track. But Haaland got his revenge when Jack Grealish found him at the back post and he scored his third league goal of the season. – That is the key with Haaland. He just keeps going. He doesn’t dwell on a miss, he continues to end up in scoring positions, says former Manchester City defender Andy Hinchcliffe to Sky Sports. – He showed incredible mental strength and this time Foderingham had no chance, he adds. – It was a fantastic header on the back post, emphasizes former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC Radio. Haaland could have nodded in his second of the day, but just didn’t reach it in time: SO CLOSE: Here, Erling Braut Haaland could have scored his second of the day, but it only came close. Photo: PHIL NOBLE / Reuters Decided late The Norwegian super striker now stands with 39 goals in 38 Premier League games and is close to becoming the one to reach 40 Premier League goals in the fewest possible games. Forward legends Alan Shearer and Andy Cole needed 45 games before they reached 40 league goals, so Haaland has a bit to go on. The same has Manchester City, who did not show their best side this Sunday. A few minutes before full time, Sheffield United shook the light blues and equalized after a shot from Jayden Bogle went through a player and past Ederson in the City cage. MATCH WINNER: Rodri cheered like a man possessed along with Ruben Dias after deciding the match in Manchester City’s favour. Photo: PHIL NOBLE / Reuters In the lead, Kyle Walker had made a huge roar when he tried a heel kick inside his own 16-metre area. But the match took a new turn when Rodri hammered in what became the winning goal for Manchester City a few minutes before normal time was up. The reigning series champion escaped with a scare, took all three points and is the only team that stands with a full pot after three series rounds.
ttn-69
– Incredible mental strength – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
