Erling Haaland hit a brace as Manchester City started their Premier League title defence.

Written by Ayanda Nyuswa on 12 August, 2023

By: Simtho Dladla

English Premiership defending champions Manchester City kicked off their 2023/2024 Premier League season with a 3-0 win at Burnley.

A first-time finish from Haaland put City in front at Turf Moor with barely three minutes on the clock and his second was even better, a wonderful strike that flew in off the underside of the bar to double the lead before the break after Julian Alvarez had laid the ball off.

Vincent Kompany’s side gave Man City a few scares though were unable to maintain any constant threat, while Anass Zaroury was sent off late in the day for a dangerous tackle on Kyle Walker.

City, having been forced to adjust after barely 20 minutes when they lost their captain Kevin De Bruyne to a hamstring injury, a recurrence of the one that ruined his Champions League final according to his manager, Pep Guardiola, changed to a direct style in the second half and strolled to victory.

Pep is hoping that De Bruyne will be back soon.

image: Getty images