Villareal 0-2 Manchester City: World’s best goalscorer unstoppable as he scores in 12 straight games
Erling Haaland continued his incredible scoring form on Tuesday night as Manchester City took down Villareal. The Norwegian’s goal was his 24th of the season for club and country, and it extended a run of scoring in every game he’s played for City or Norway since late August. The 12-game streak equals the longest scoring spell of Cristiano Ronaldo himself.
Bernardo Silva added the second for City just before halftime as Villareal were silenced. Before the game the Yellow Submarine had lost only once in their last 10 home European games but they were out of their depth this time. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated from the start at La Ceramica, moving the ball with ease and rarely allowing the hosts a foothold.
Very early in the game Haaland spurned a golden chance when he sent a close-range header wide, but his performance made what would follow seem almost destined. In the 17th minute, teenager Rico Lewis drove forward down the right and squared for the Norwegian to finish first-time past Luiz Junior.
City’s second came before the interval and again Lewis was the provider. As Villarreal’s defenders moved to mark Haaland, Bernardo Silva ghosted into the box to head in from close range.
The home side’s only real threat came in the opening half from a speculative long-range effort by Pepe Gueye that flew just beyond the far post. Otherwise, City’s control was total.
After the break, Guardiola’s side managed the game with minimal risk. Doku continued to torment Villarreal’s left flank. Nico Gonzalez was excellent but was replaced midway through the second half by Mateo Kovacic. The Spanish midfielder appeared to have tweaked a muscle and left the field in pain.
Luiz Junior made two excellent saves late on to deny Haaland and keep the scoreline respectable.
