Manchester City bagged an impressive 3-0 win against Manchester United in the Premier League on September 14 at Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden opened the scoring for City in the first Manchester derby of the 2025/26 season from an assist by Jeremy Doku in the 18th minute. Erling Haaland, then, scored a brace in the second half, after his first goal came from another assist by the Belgian star in the 53rd minute.
Haaland found the back of the net again after being set up by Bernardo Silva in the 68th minute.
Man City claimed a 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening Premier League fixture. However, Pep Guardiola's squad hit some bumps on the road, losing their next two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively, in the top flight.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, Haaland addressed City's struggles, claiming that they 'need to get back to winning ways' and said,
"We've lost two games in a row, it's not good enough, it's way too bad. We need to figure it out, get back to winning ways. We can't afford to lose games as there's so many good teams. It's perfect to turn things around against United. We need to all be on our best, get our asses going, get things going, because it's not been good enough so far," as per The Guardian.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Now, after Man City were able to 'turn things around against United,' Guardiola heaped praise on Foden and Haaland, describing the Norwegian star as 'better than ever.'
What did Pep Guardiola say about Man City's goalscoring duo against Man United?
While speaking in the post-match press conference, Guardiola hailed Haaland as 'incredible,' and claimed that the 25-year-old is doing better than the 2022/23 campaign, where Man City won the treble and the striker recorded 52 goals and nine assists in 53 appearances.
"Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He's dynamic and I don't judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us," as per GOAL.
Foden, meanwhile, endured a difficult time last season with injuries and issues, and now, as the Man City graduate has taken the first step to return to his usual stride, Guardiola referred to the Englishman as the 'heart of the club,' and added,
"We missed him so much and the season before he was the best player in the Premier League so we need him, he has a work ethic. Phil is the core, the heart of the club, from the academy and he loves City. To have him back is good news."
With Haaland scoring five goals in four matches and Foden netting one after two appearances this season, Man City will be hoping for another successful display in their Champions League opener against Napoli on September 18 at the Etihad.
Manchester City news and related links
- Phil Foden pays perfect tribute to Ricky Hatton's memory in emotionally weighted Manchester derby
- Haaland and Foden fire City to derby win over United
- Top scorers in the Manchester derby: Haaland, Foden closing on top 10