In the battle of struggling Manchesters, the blue one rises

Manchester City played their game throughout the match against the Red Devils. Phil Foden opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and in the second half, the phenomenal Erling Haaland shone, sealing the game with two goals.

The first half at the Etihad saw Manchester City take an early lead, though both sides created chances from the start. Within just 18 seconds, Erling Haaland had the first real opportunity, cutting in from the left and firing narrowly wide of the post. Manchester United responded in the 4th minute when Sesko struck from 20 meters, but new City goalkeeper Donnarumma was alert and made a comfortable save.

City opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Phil Foden. A brilliant move involving Rodri and Doku saw the young winger weave past United’s defense and, with a touch of luck, deliver a cross that Foden met with a precise header to beat Bayindir. The goal is HERE!

The home side came close again in the 24th minute: Doku combined with Reijnders, whose shot was well-stopped by United’s goalkeeper.

United tried to respond through set-pieces. In the 35th minute, Bruno Fernandes aimed to deliver or perhaps shoot from a free-kick, but Donnarumma held the ball safely. A few minutes later, O’Riley found himself 20 meters out with the chance to set up Haaland, but opted for a shot that went off target.

At halftime, Manchester City led 1–0, having taken advantage of a sharp early goal and maintained pressure while United struggled to find a clear-cut opportunity.

Manchester City came out strong in the second half, quickly extending their lead. In the 53rd minute, Erling Haaland made it 2–0, scoring his fourth Premier League GOAL of the season. Doku provided another brilliant assist, and Haaland lobbed the United goalkeeper with precision.

Just two minutes later, Haaland had a shocking miss. After a defensive error from United, he found himself one-on-one with Bayindir, but the goalkeeper managed to disturb him, and the Norwegian failed to convert an almost empty-net chance.

City’s goalkeeper Donnarumma was called into action in the 61st minute, making an incredible save to deny Mbeumo from a promising position, diving like a cat to keep his goal intact. Haaland continued to test United’s defense, taking another shot in the 64th minute, though it went straight to the goalkeeper.

The game was effectively sealed in the 68th minute when Haaland scored again. City launched a superb counter-attack, with Silva providing the assist. Haaland carried the ball nearly half the pitch, faced the goalkeeper, and finished coolly to make it 3–0. The goal is HERE!

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 4

Saturday

Arsenal - Nottingham Forest 3-0 (1-0)

/Zubimendi 32, 79, Gyokeres 46/

Bournemouth - Brighton 2-1 (1-0)

/Scott 18, Semenyo 61 pen - Mitoma 48/

Crystal Palace - Sunderland 0-0

Everton - Aston Villa 0-0

Fulham - Leeds 1-0 (0-0)

/Gudmundsson 94 (og)/

Newcastle - Wolverhampton 1-0 (1-0)

/Woltemade 29/

West Ham - Tottenham 0-3 (0-0)

/Sarr 47, Bergvall 57, Van de Ven 64/

Brentford - Chelsea 2-2 (1-0)

/Schade 35, Carvalho 90+3 - Palmer 61, Caicedo 85/

Sunday

Burnley - Liverpool 0-1 (0-0)

/Salah 90+5 pen/

Manchester City - Manchester United 3-0 (1-0)

/Foden 18, Haaland 53, 68/