United win but lose Rashford
Erling Haaland celebrated a perfect comeback before the Champions League duel with FC Bayern. After surviving a groin injury, the Norwegian scored twice in Manchester City’s 4-1 (1-0) win at bottom FC Southampton on Saturday. Coach Pep Guardiola’s team welcomes Munich to the first leg of the quarter-finals in the “premier class” on Tuesday (9:00 p.m.).
The former Dortmund player took the lead in the city shortly before the half-time whistle. After Jack Grealish made it 2-0 (58th minute), the 22-year-old increased the lead to 3-0 (68th) with a spectacular lateral pull following Grealish’s preliminary work. For Haaland it was already the 30th goal. The Norwegian is the tenth player in Premier League history to reach that mark in a season – and is also the fastest after 29 matches. In nine remaining games, Haaland only needs four goals to equal the goal record.
Haaland on course for a record: Most goals in a Premier League season
After Sékou Mara’s 1:3 (72nd), Argentina’s world champion Julián Álvarez scored the final 4:1 with a penalty kick (75th). With 67 points, Manchester City are currently five points behind leaders Arsenal. The “Gunners” are guests on Sunday (5:30 p.m. / Sky) at Jürgen Klopps FC Liverpool.
Manchester City’s Guardiola raves about Haaland: “Incredible”
“I’m very happy with his performance after his injury,” said Guardiola after the game. “The first half wasn’t our best level, but he changed the game.” With regard to the Bayern duel, the former Munich coach added about Haaland: “We need him.” Guardiola also ennobled Haaland with a special comparison. “I think football is a better place, especially thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi,” said the city coach about parallels between Haaland and the two multiple world footballers. “The numbers he’s achieved at his age are incredible.”
Guardiola believes the Norwegian can have a similar world career. “He’s only 22 years old, plays in the toughest league in the world and does exceptional things,” the Spaniard praised his striker. “The pressure he is under is high. Like the pressure that Messi or Cristiano had.” Haaland was “made for this type of game,” said Guardiola. “He has a big heart and he was there with Kevin De Bruyne. His skills are incredible.”
Chelsea also lose with Lampard’s return
Meanwhile, Chelsea have continued their negative streak in the Premier League under new caretaker manager Frank Lampard. The team around DFB player Kai Havertz lost 1-0 (0-1) at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday and has now been without a win in the league for five games. After separating from previous coach Graham Potter on Thursday, Chelsea brought Lampard back as coach until the end of the season. He had previously coached Chelsea from 2019 to 2021.
Chelsea put in a disappointing performance against Wolverhampton and deservedly lost to a goal from Matheus Nunes (31′). Eleventh in the table, Chelsea are already 17 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who previously clinched an important win. The team led by ex-Bundesliga professionals Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer beat Everton FC 2-0 (1-0) but had to cope with Marcus Rashford’s injury. “We’ll have to wait and see, it doesn’t look good,” said coach Erik ten Hag.
The 44-year-old ex-national player Lampard should initially train Chelsea until the end of the season. This gave those responsible enough time to look for a new coach. Former Spanish national coach Luis Enrique and ex-Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann were also recently discussed.
Nagelsmann, Potter & Co.: These well-known trainers are on the market
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