August 8 – Manchester City’s stellar summer signing Erling Haaland marked his Premier League debut with both goals as the champions began their title defence by strolling to a 2-0 victory at West Ham United on Sunday.
Haaland converted a penalty after 36 minutes and wrapped up the points with a composed finish in the second period to cap an impressive display, with his father and former City player Alfie celebrating watching from the stands, showing just why City boss Pep Guardiola spent big to bring the Norwegian from Borussia Dortmund.
City led the league in scoring last season with 99 goals despite often playing without a recognised striker up front and now have Haaland to improve on that.
The two most eye-catching results over the weekend were promoted Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool and Manchester United’s home defeat to Brighton.
“We got a point for a really bad game by my side, and now it’s a question of how did it happen,” said frustrated Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
United fans, meanwhile, are still waiting to see what kind of impact new manager Erik Ten Hag will have after a disappointing performance against Brighton that showed that many of the team’s old weaknesses still remain.
“Definitely a setback, a real disappointment,” Ten Hag said. “I knew from the start it will not be easy. And it’s a process, it takes time. But you don’t have time, we have to win games. We should have done better.”
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