Manchester City fans relaxed when Erling Haaland damaged his knee in the closing stages of the Newcastle game. But Pep Guardiola has issued a welcome statement that Erling is alright.
Struggling to be consistent this season and set to lose their Premier League crown, City struck back in style as they routed Newcastle 4-0. New signing Omar Marmoush was the hero of the day with a hat-trick before stoppage time, as James McAtee scored the fourth late into stoppage time.
But the biggest concern was Haaland, who had to be substituted in the 87th minute after appearing to damage his knee. With a huge Champions League second-leg tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday followed by a Sunday showdown with Liverpool, City fans feared the worst.
Guardiola’s Update on Haaland
Guardiola said he was worried when Haaland went down but quickly dispelled fears.
“When he was on the ground, everyone was frightened, but then he stood up smiling as always,” Guardiola said. “I haven’t talked to him or the doctors, but they haven’t given us bad news, so hopefully, he’s okay.”
Haaland, who has already scored 27 goals this season, was also given the captain’s armband against Newcastle. Guardiola justified the decision:
As Kyle [Walker] was not available and Kevin [De Bruyne] was next, I chose Erling as captain. When a player has been here for an extended period, leadership comes automatically to them. This was his first Premier League captaincy, and it was nice to see.
Marmoush Shines for City
While Haaland’s injury scare was dominating the headlines, Marmoush made a massive difference. Egyptian forward, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million, scored a dazzling 33-minute hat-trick. Guardiola was lavish in his praise for his new signing, citing what he brings to the team.
“The targets are his,” Guardiola responded. “He had quality players in Germany, and we knew that he could find the net. Against Leyton Orient, he had chances but did not score, so it was bound to happen. He provides us with something that we have lacked—his pace, his running in behind.
“When the team plays like today, everyone adapts naturally. If we continue like today, even the manager does not look bad!”
With the important games to come, City supporters will be reassured to know that Haaland’s injury is not severe. Now attention turns to Madrid as Guardiola’s team seek to preserve their Champions League dreams.
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