Haaland strikes twice as Man City thrash Southampton
Erling Haaland scored twice on his return from injury as Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to five points by beating Southampton 4-1 on Saturday. Restored to the side after overcoming a groin problem, Haaland opened the floodgates by heading home in the final minute of the first half. Jack Grealish doubled City's lead before Haaland's acrobatic overhead strike took his tally to 44 goals in a remarkable debut season with the English champions. But the Norwegian was denied another hat-trick as he had been substituted by the time Julian Alvarez scored City's fourth from the penalty spot. Sekou Mara had pulled a goal back for Southampton by then, but they remain rooted to the foot of the table and four points adrift of safety.  Liverpool have tended to be City's title rivals in the Guardiola era. But they will be hoping for a favour from their old foes on Sunday when Arsenal go to Anfield hoping for their first away league win against Liverpool in 11 years. (AFP)