• They already take some stopping, but everyone inside the stadium and far beyond was left wondering how good they will be once Haaland is on board next season.
• “Unstoppable, brilliant, awesome, outstanding, perfect,” was Guardiola’s verdict afterwards. He was not exaggerating either.
Giant billboards are one thing, but Kevin de Bruyne chose an even better way of welcoming Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
After the Belgian scored the third goal of his magnificent four-goal haul against Wolves on Wednesday night, he celebrated in style by copying Haaland’s iconic meditation celebration.
It was quite the statement. Just a day after City announced they had agreed to sign the prolific Norway striker from Borussia Dortmund, they hardly looked short of attacking power at Molineux.
Wolves did not even play that badly, yet with De Bruyne at the centre of the storm they were blown away as City won 5-1 and moved to within four points of a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.
They already take some stopping, but everyone inside the stadium and far beyond was left wondering how good they will be once Haaland is on board next season.
For now, though, it appears they don’t need him — especially with De Bruyne in goalscoring form like this.
The 30-year-old has been better known for demonstrating his exceptional creative powers since joining City in 2015, but it appears he has been listening to his manager’s advice to try to find the net more himself, as well as providing his trademark assists.
Image: REUTERS
He was so willing to shoot, all of his first three goals came with his so-called weaker left foot as he completed his first City hat-trick inside 24 minutes — the third-quickest in Premier League history from the start of a match.
A fourth, with his right-foot, followed after the break. It was a scintillating solo display which meant De Bruyne now has 19 goals in all competitions this season — and it is fair to say his manager was impressed.
“Unstoppable, brilliant, awesome, outstanding, perfect,” was Guardiola’s verdict afterwards. He was not exaggerating either.
“Kevin always had the ability to create the special things,” Guardiola added.
“Always we push him to say he is an incredible player, generous with assists, but he has to score goals and this season is the most prolific he has had since we are together.
“We spoke to him about running into the box and being closer to the box and this season he has done it better and better.
“I am very pleased for him because of course scoring four goals in the decisive part of the league right now is so important.
“Hopefully it will continue, not just this season but for the rest of his career — I have a feeling that he has started to enjoy scoring goals.
“Before, it was just assists, but now I think he likes it — he likes it when his team-mates come to hug him.”