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Half-fit Haaland still far too good in Champions League cruise

Published

11 months ago

November 8, 2023

Man City player ratings vs Young Boys: Half-fit Erling Haaland still far too good as European champions secure early knockouts qualification

The Norwegian scored a penalty and a sensational strike from the edge of the box, mere days after being substituted at half-time due to injury

Manchester City came into Tuesday’s game with Young Boys well aware that a victory would secure early passage into the Champions League knockout rounds, and they duly delivered, thanks in no small part to Erling Haaland, who was only deemed half-fit before the game.

Fresh from being substituted at half-time against Bournemouth with a twisted ankle, the Norway international opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Matheus Nunes was fouled by Sandro Lauper in the penalty area, coolly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from 12 yards. Phil Foden then added a second with a glorious finish, curling the ball into the bottom corner after a superb pass from Jack Grealish.

Strangely, at half-time, John Stones was withdrawn, potentially with an injury, but that didn’t slow City down, as Haaland then scored the third just five minutes after the restart, as he rifled an absolutely stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Lauper was then sent off for a second booking two minutes later, and with 10 men, Young Boys naturally retreated, allowing City to have a host of chances to extend their lead, although they were strangely profligate in front of goal following a slew of substitutions.

90minsoccer rates City’s players from the Etihad Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Ederson

Barely troubled throughout a quiet night.

Kyle Walker

Drove an excellent free-kick at goal, forcing a good save. Rarely in danger in defence but got up and down well. Replaced on the hour by Phillips.

Ruben Dias

He may never have an easier night. Organised and cajoled constantly.

Josko Gvardiol

Was able to step up routinely and was strong in his distribution.

Midfield

John Stones

His usual economical self in possession in midfield before his surprise withdrawal at half-time. It remains unclear if he is injured or if he was merely being rested.

Rico Lewis

Denied only by a brilliant goal-line clearance early on. Moves the ball so well; City have a player on their hands here.

Matheus Nunes

Won City’s penalty with a clever piece of control in the area and kept looking to get forward, although his finishing left something to be desired.

Mateo Kovacic

Danced through Young Boys’ defence to win a free-kick early on. Superb footwork and a level above the visitors’ midfield. Replaced by Doku late on.

Attack

Phil Foden

Scored a superb goal, collecting Grealish’s pass and driving into the box before curling an effort into the bottom corner. Some excellent touches when under immense pressure, as Young Boys doubled up on him.

Erling Haaland

Scored coolly from the spot after Nunes was brought down, then completed a stunning brace with a fierce effort from the edge of the box that was rifled into the top corner. Subbed for Bobb on the hour. A sensational showing, and even more so given that he was subbed at half-time at the weekend.

Jack Grealish

Provided an excellent assist for Foden and played some truly sumptuous passes. The defence could not get near him at times.

Subs & Manager

Nathan Ake

Subbed on at half-time. Had more time on the ball in Young Boys’ half than his own.

Oscar Bobb

On for Haaland. Some promising touches but the 20-year-old could not fashion a chance for himself.

Kalvin Phillips

A rare appearance as he came on for Walker on the hour. Saw a shot deflected just wide of the post but kept City ticking from deep.

Jeremy Doku

On for Kovacic late on. Almost provided an assist for Nunes immediately but the midfielder fluffed his chance. Some truly outrageous trickery, as he almost mocked Young Boys’ defence.

Pep Guardiola

A straightforward night at the office. City were always likely to win and they did, as Guardiola fielded a strong XI and rotated after the hour mark, with the game already won.