Manchester City returned from the international break with a 2-0 victory over Everton, thanks to a second-half brace from the red-hot Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian forward, now with 11 goals in eight Premier League games, scored with his head and left foot in quick succession around the hour mark after a labored start by the hosts.
Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the slow period, stating: “After the international break, the first 15-20 minutes we were not there with the second balls and we lacked energy. It was good, we had chances. We take it and it was a really positive thing that people came from the bench and the energy was there. it’s better to improve, winning games.”
While praising Haaland as the team’s “key man right now,” Guardiola also challenged his supporting players: “As a team we have to know we cannot rely completely on him.
Always he’s there but we need other guys, wingers and attacking midfielders have to score goals or it’s not possible to achieve our goals.”