Manchester City reeled off a 10th win in 11 unbeaten games across all competitions and Erling Haaland returned from a foot problem to enjoy a 20‑minute cameo. The champions’ pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive crown is rolling along nicely, this victory decorated by two goals from Julián Álvarez on his 24th birthday.
He took his tally to 15 and the man for whom he has been deputising in attack, in a first involvement after 10 games, had the chance to add his 20th of the season and make this a perfect comeback. But, totally against type, an embarrassing Haaland mis‑kick ensued after he took aim.