Erling Haaland said he was short of “perfect” form but was satisfied with the 4-2 win over Chelsea which included a hat-trick from the two-time Premier League top scorer in Ohio.
Striker Haaland capitalized on a disastrous save to put City 2-0 up on their American tour after five minutes with two goals in two minutes.
A minute after Oscar Bobb made it 3-0, Haaland grabbed Malo Gusto's mistake to ensure that Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke's replies were only consolations.
Highlights of our victory over Chelsea in our last game on tour of the USA, including a hat-trick from @ErlingHaaland! 🙌 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6RcZEzNz4k
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2024
Haaland on City's US tour
“It's been a long journey but it's a good ending,” Haaland told City's website. “Now it's back to Manchester to meet the other boys and continue.
“It is not perfect but it is getting better and soon we will be at the top level, which is good. We have to get into a rhythm – and we will. We will continue to do what we have been doing.”
The win was City's first on their trip to the US following a 4-3 loss to Celtic, a 3-2 loss to Milan and a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.
Haaland praised the “quality” of City's academy players who were given opportunities against high-quality opposition by manager Pep Guardiola.
“You can see it in the games,” said the Norwegian player. “Small marks made us lose but in general the quality was high. It was good.
5️⃣ goals before the season @ErlingHaaland! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/h0q9xlFFmt
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 3, 2024
Man City matches, schedule
City return to England to face Manchester United, who they lost to in the FA Cup final on May 25, in the Community Shield on Saturday (3pm).
Their Premier League season begins at Chelsea on August 18 (4.30pm), with their first home game against Ipswich Town six days later (3pm).
“If they hire us next season, people will be happy because we score goals and concede a lot,” said Guardiola while speaking to the organizers of the tour and talking about the fitness of his players.
“Everyone is healthy and safe. We showed good spirit against tough opponents, which is really good. Whether we win or lose, nothing has changed. Now the real preparation is the season which starts in seven days – it's as simple as that.”
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