Man City player ratings vs Young Boys: Half-fit Erling Haaland still far too good as European champions secure early knockouts qualification
The Norwegian scored a penalty and a sensational strike from the edge of the box, mere days after being substituted at half-time due to injury
Manchester City came into Tuesday's game with Young Boys well aware that a victory would secure early passage into the Champions League knockout rounds, and they duly delivered, thanks in no small part to Erling Haaland, who was only deemed half-fit before the game.
Fresh from being substituted at half-time against Bournemouth with a twisted ankle, the Norway international opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Matheus Nunes was fouled by Sandro Lauper in the penalty area, coolly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from 12 yards. Phil Foden then added a second with a glorious finish, curling the ball into the bottom corner after a superb pass from Jack Grealish.
Strangely, at half-time, John Stones was withdrawn, potentially with an injury, but that didn't slow City down, as Haaland then scored the third just five minutes after the restart, as he rifled an absolutely stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top corner.
Lauper was then sent off for a second booking two minutes later, and with 10 men, Young Boys naturally retreated, allowing City to have a host of chances to extend their lead, although they were strangely profligate in front of goal following a slew of substitutions.
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