Erling Haaland Scores Two Goals As Manchester City Start New EPL Season With Away Win At Burnley
Manchester City began the defense of their Premier League title with a 3-0 win away at Burnley on Friday night.
Erling Haaland scored twice in the first half at Turf Moor before Rodri wrapped up the victory late on with the 15th goal of his EPL career.
Burnley were reduced to 10 men in the 94th minute after Anass Zaroury was shown a straight red card for an ugly challenge on Kyle Walker.
Walker appeared to survive Zaroury's tackle unhurt.
But City had earlier seen captain Kevin De Bruyne limp off with a hamstring injury.
Erling Haaland scored two goals as Manchester City won 3-0 at Burnley on Friday
IMAGO/PRiME Media Images/Tom Pearson
Haaland netted the first goal of the 2023/24 Premier League season just 183 seconds into Friday's game.
The City striker - who won the EPL's Golden Boot last season with a record-breaking 36 goals - put his side 1-0 up with a low volley from eight yards after a headed assist from Rodri inside a crowded penalty area.
It was 2-0 in the 36th minute after another emphatic finish from City's Norwegian no.9.
Haaland's second goal of the season found the net via the underside of the crossbar following a short pass from Julian Alvarez.
Although not quite at their brilliant best, City dominated Friday's contest in terms of possession (66%) and chances, registering 17 shots to Burnley's six.
Rodri put the result beyond doubt in the 75th minute when he slammed home from close range after Burnley had failed to clear following a wicked Phil Foden free-kick.
City have now beaten Burnley in each of their last 12 meetings.
