Haaland returns to haunt Leeds in Man City win
Erling Haaland scored twice on his return to the city of his birth as Manchester City climbed back up to second in the Premier League with a 3-1 win at Leeds. The Norwegian spent his early years in Yorkshire as his father Alfe Inge played for Leeds, but Haaland showed no mercy as City got their Premier League title challenge back on track. Pep Guardiola's men moved to within five points of Arsenal at the top of the table as they bounced back from a shock defeat to Brentford before the World Cup. The visitors created several chances in the opening 45 minutes and finally made their dominance count in first half stoppage time. Kevin De Bruyne opened up the Leeds defence and when Riyad Mahrez's shot was parried by Meslier, Rodri swept the rebound into the net. Jack Grealish the second with a smart interception and unselfish pass for Haaland to roll into an empty net. The City star acknowledged his Leeds past by refusing to celebrate, but it did not stop him adding a second on the night and his 26th goal this season in just 20 appearances. Grealish was again the creator with a pull back for Haaland to slot home from the edge of the area. Leeds remain perilously poised just two points above the relegation zone, but did at least get a goal to show for their efforts when Pascal Struijk headed in from a corner 17 minutes from time. A two-goal margin of victory was the very least City's display deserved as they leapfrogged Newcastle back into second. (AFP)