Man Metropolis Shine as Guardiola Lauds Doku’s ‘Unstoppable’ TalentHaaland’s Report-Breaking Evening
Manchester Metropolis started their Champions League journey in usually commanding vogue, defeating Napoli 2-0 on the Etihad. The night belonged not solely to Erling Haaland, who set yet one more milestone, but additionally to Jeremy Doku, whose fearless directness lit up the competition.
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Haaland’s opener got here after persistent strain. Denied repeatedly by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic within the first half, the Norwegian lastly broke via within the 56th minute, nodding in a looping header from Phil Foden’s deftly clipped cross. In doing so, he grew to become the quickest participant ever to succeed in 50 targets in Europe’s elite competitors, surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s long-standing file.
Requested concerning the feat by TNT Sports activities, Pep Guardiola may solely shrug. “Me neither. Within the first half, he may have achieved it. Milinkovic-Savic is an unbelievable keeper making unimaginable saves,” he mentioned, echoing the disbelief of interviewer Jules Breach, who admitted she had “no phrases” for Haaland’s relentless scoring.
Doku’s Explosive Contribution
If Haaland supplied the landmark, Doku equipped the flourish. Simply 10 minutes after the opener, the Belgian winger surged into the field, skipping previous defenders with balletic agility earlier than tucking the ball neatly past Milinkovic-Savic.
Photograph IMAGO
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“Within the smaller areas, 5 metres, he’s unstoppable,” Guardiola informed TNT Sports activities afterwards. “When he cuts inside and assaults central defenders, he can dribble and hassle the keeper. He was actually good.”
Doku’s aim successfully sealed victory towards the Serie A champions, who had been diminished to 10 males following Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s purple card for denying Haaland a transparent likelihood within the first half.
De Bruyne’s Return Halted
There was additionally intrigue in Kevin De Bruyne’s temporary return to face his former membership, the Belgian midfielder discovered himself sacrificed earlier than half-time. Supervisor Antonio Conte launched Mathias Olivera to strengthen a defence already underneath siege, a choice that lower brief any notion of a fairytale reunion.
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Conte admitted afterwards that he “felt” for De Bruyne, who appeared lower than thrilled with the change. The episode was a reminder that sentiment has little room in nights of such excessive stakes.
Assertion of European Intent
For Guardiola’s facet, this was the sort of authoritative begin that has come to outline their current European campaigns. Haaland breaking data, Doku proving “unstoppable,” and Metropolis displaying depth even with out exerting full management — it was an evening that set the tone. Man Metropolis, as soon as once more, look ominously well-equipped for the battles forward.