Erling Haaland hailed a “fantastic team” as Manchester City overcame a “terrible” start to beat Chelsea 3-1 tonight.
Haaland played a huge role with a goal and an assist as City hit back after an early mistake by debutant Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Uzbekistan centre-half, a £33.8m signing from Lens this week, failed to deal with a long kick forward and, after allowing it to bounce, could only nod the ball into the path of Nicolas Jackson, who for non Ma Madueeke then Tap home.
Josko Guardiol equalized late in the first half before goals from Haaland and Phil Foden secured a win that moved Pep Guardiola’s men up to fourth in the table.
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Haaland told BBC Match of the Day: “I think overall it was a great performance even though we started horribly. It was a fantastic team performance and I’m really happy.
“When we had a start like we did, it’s tough, but we played really well and we kept going and kept going. We kept pushing and the second half was the same. In the end, that’s what we have to do. We have to lock it in at the back and keep attacking.
“Early on, it’s almost like starting with a -1 goal. That can happen, but it’s about maintenance. It’s about that and trying to have peace of mind. That’s what’s important.”
Haaland and Ederson combine with great effect
Haaland’s goal followed a long strike from goalkeeper Ederson with the Norway striker holding off Trevoh Chalobah’s challenge before lifting the ball past Roberto Sanchez.
“It’s something we practice,” Haaland added. “We try to focus on giving space, and then Ederson already gave me a lot of assists. It is perfect timing because it is so precise. “
Khusan’s nightmare was in stark contrast to that of Omar Marmoush, who looked lively in his first appearance since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Haaland said: “I saw him in the Bundesliga. It will be fantastic to play with him. You can see he has something special. I am looking forward to playing with him and it will be a really good time.”
Guardiola scored an important victory
Guardiola was delighted with the way his players responded to their early setback which came just three days after they blew a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 at Paris Saint-Germain – a result that means they must win on Wednesday night Club Brugge to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
He told Sky Sports: “Not the best start. Luckily they didn’t penalize us for 2-0. After we recovered emotionally and put in a good performance.
“We had more of the ball than the last games. It was really important.”
He added to the BBC: “We’ve been struggling lately and it’s been a tough, tough season. Most of the players have been here for eight or nine years and I’m not going to change my mind in two months. We have to understand that what we’re doing is not enough.
“I asked them to step up and we did. We created enough chances to score goals and in the end I’m really happy with the win.
“Of course we need fresh legs with Omar and Khusanov, and now we have the Champions League final on Wednesday.”
It is not easy for Khusanov – pep
Guardiola is confident that Khusanov will learn from his mistake.
“It’s not easy for him,” he said. “Training once and then playing against Jackson and Cole [Palmer] and Madueke and [Jadon] Sancho. That’s the process when you buy a player this young. He will learn. These kinds of actions are the best lessons you can take. “
