In a match overshadowed by somber news but ultimately defined by ruthless efficiency, Manchester City reasserted their Premier League authority with a emphatic 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. The win, powered by a brace from Erling Haaland and a pivotal goal from Phil Foden, served as a potent reminder of the gulf in firepower between the two sides.
The narrative before kick-off was tinged with emotion following the shocking passing of Manchester boxing legend Ricky Hatton. The home support paid repeated, heartfelt tributes throughout the match, creating a charged atmosphere that the players channeled into a performance of intent.
“Definitely, you could feel it from the fans,” Haaland told UK broadcasters after the match. “We needed this, you could feel the bit extra. I’m so happy and relieved we could do this all together.”
The first half was a tighter affair than the final scoreline suggests. City broke the deadlock when Phil Foden, making his first start of the season after skipping England duty to focus on fitness, rose to head home. The goal was crafted by the tricky Jeremy Doku, who, after seeing his initial cross blocked, delivered a perfect second attempt onto Foden’s head.
United, under Ruben Amorim, showed endeavour and had their moments. New City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, making his Premier League debut, was forced into one spectacular save to deny Bryan Mbeumo. However, United’s new striker Benjamin Sesko, also on his full debut, struggled for service and his side lacked the decisive cutting edge that would ultimately decide the game.
That cutting edge belongs to Erling Haaland. Fresh from scoring five goals for Norway during the international break, the striker’s sharpness proved to be the difference after the break. He took the game away from United with two emphatic finishes. The first came at a critical juncture when United were pushing for an equalizer, effectively killing their momentum. His second, after being sent clear by Bernardo Silva, put the result beyond any doubt. He was unfortunate not to leave with a hat-trick, hitting the post from close range.
The performance of Phil Foden, however, provided City with a boost perhaps as significant as the three points. Showing no signs of the ankle troubles that hampered him last season, Foden was a constant threat, linking play with silky skills and making intelligent runs from a central position in support of Haaland.
“This is the Phil we need,” Haaland emphasized. “And we’re going to do as much as we can to make him as good as he was the season before last.”
For United, the defeat is a sobering reality check. Despite making changes—with Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte coming into the side—they were ultimately outclassed. They now sit with just four points from their opening four games, below a City side that has been lifted back on track after consecutive pre-international break defeats.
While the name of Ricky Hatton was sung mournfully by the crowd, the football on the pitch was a celebration of the relentless, title-winning quality he would have adored. City, with their superstar striker in devastating form and their homegrown star back to his best, sent a thunderous message to the rest of the league.
