The unstoppable Haaland + the reason Reijnders is benched

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Manchester City moved up to second in the Premier League table on Sunday, thanks to two goals Erling Haaland (£14.8 million) and one of Nico O’Reilly (£4.9 million).

Here are our Scout Notes from City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

THE UNSTOPPABLE HAALAND

Haaland scored another superb brace on Sunday to take his Premier League tally to 13 for the season, more than double that of any other player.

The first, a calm finish, was followed by an angled strike after rounding the keeper, as Bournemouth’s high defensive line fell straight into the Norwegian’s hands.

He then closed in on third when his poor finishing was overcome Djordje Petrovic (£4.5 million).

Unfortunately for the Fantasy manager, Guardiola opted to give Haaland a partial rest, as he came away with a hat-trick with nine minutes remaining, with one eye on Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

“This is what it’s like if you play with Messi or Ronaldo, his influence is huge. You see the number of that guy? Of course, he’s at that level. Messi and Ronaldo have been doing it for 15 years, but this is his level. The first goal, the way he shoots the ball, it’s like ‘I’m going to score’. He has that hunger. That’s the best. I said how easy he is to coach and manage. Sometimes I’m tough with Haaland, but he’s tough.” open minded. He lives for goals and sometimes the pressure can’t last for 90 minutes, but that’s normal. Without him, to be honest, it would have been difficult, but we were lucky because of Omar [Marmoush] is back, and we have fit players, which is good.” – Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland

After that Champions League encounter, City will face Liverpool in Matchday 11, which may leave the captain’s position even more open than usual.

However, it is important to note that this match will take place at the Etihad Stadium, where Haaland has now scored two or more goals in four consecutive Premier League games.

ASSIST CHERKI

City appeared sharp throughout, impressively Rayan Cherki (£6.3m) helped both of Haaland’s attacks.

The Frenchman almost got his name on the scoresheet with his free kick too.

It often becomes cramped to combine Phil Foden (£8.0 million) and Jeremy Doku (£6.5m), Cherki ended the match with three shots and two chances created. He also received 21 passes in the final third, more than any other City player.

“His vision in the final third is good, and he has the consistency and courage to play. The dynamics we play, we need more time for the rhythm of the Premier League. He scored one goal and one assist against Swansea. Today, he made two assists and has a special talent to link up with the forwards, that’s unique. Not only that, there are many things. Step by step he can realize what we need to do.” – Pep Guardiola on Rayan Cherki

Above: Man City v Bournemouth average position map, showing Cherki (No. 10), Foden (47) and Doku (11)

O’Reilly scored the third after the break, firing low and hard into the far corner, with Foden providing the assist.

PEP ON REIJNDERS’ Absence

After a failed attempt Tijjani Reijnders (£5.6m) as number 6 at Villa Park last week, Nico Gonzalez (£5.9m) instead started in midfield on Sunday.

As a result, Reijnders was on the bench, only appearing as a substitute in the 73rd minute.

Explaining his decision, Pep Guardiola said:

“[Reijnders] not completely fit. This week he couldn’t train, he only trained yesterday and I decided to put him on the bench. Rodri almost didn’t start because he missed several games, the same thing happened with Tijjani.” – Pep Guardiola

With Liverpool and Newcastle United being City’s next rivals, sales have increased further, with Reijnders becoming the second best-selling player of Gameweek so far.

At another place, Mateo Kovacic (£5.9m) has an ankle injury and will be “out for a while”.

Abdukodir Khusanov (£5.4 million) and Oscar Bobb (£5.4m), meanwhile, was abandoned for tactical reasons.

EVANILSON IS BACK

As for Bournemouth, Namely, Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) retained his place in the starting XI and almost missed it, only to have his initial goal disallowed for offside.

The young man then fired his shot Gianluigi Donnarumma (£5.7m), before returning to fitness Evanilson (£7.0 million) just after the hour had passed.

In between Haaland’s two goals, Tyler Adams (£5.0m) equalized for Bournemouth, meanwhile Mark Senesi (£5.0 million) and Adrian Truffert (£4.5m) both earn defense contribution points (DefCon).

Next trip to Bournemouth is a trip to Aston Villa.

Having conceded 2+ goals in four of their five away games so far this season, this should be an entertaining game.

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