Erling Haaland labelled his opening match brace as “a good start” as he helped Manchester City to a win over 2-0 Brighton.
Speaking afterwards, Haaland offered an understated assessment of his afternoon as he pulled the strings in what could’ve been a tough game for the champions.
“It was a good start,” he said.
“It’s still early in the season so it’s good to get minutes in the legs. We saw the potential against Bayern [in pre-season]. Against Liverpool it was a little bit down, but it will come with games. The passes will come. It should have been more today, but it’s an OK start.
“It’s all about the connections in training everyday and practising this. We’ll get better than this, I’m not worried.
“It’s a big moment for me, to make my debut in this competition – we have to keep going. It’s been almost 30 minutes since I scored my last goal so I have to keep on going.”
City manager Pep Guardiola added: “Erling scoring the two goals is important for him and for us, but we didn’t have any doubts on a guy that has been scoring goals since he was born. It’s always going to happen for him.”
Asked if Haaland gives City a new dimension, Guardiola said: “What he gives us is his qualities.
“We’re not going to change much, just adapt as now we have a threat there – an incredible runner and a special finisher.
“He is adapting perfectly to the way we play and we are going to find him more. Hopefully we will give him opportunities to score.”
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