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Matty Hewitt

National media deliver disciplined Leeds United verdict as Haaland breaks record

Here's how the national media reported Leeds United's defeat to Manchester City.

Haaland marks return to Leeds with double in Manchester City victory

Will Unwin of the Guardian said: "It took Alfie Haaland 181 games spread over a decade to score 18 Premier League goals – his son Erling has bested him after 14 appearances for Manchester City, not that his former Leeds defender father will mind too much.

"Leeds had made City work hard for their chances but were rarely able to cope with the champions’ slick passing and movement. For their second goal, a tired pass from the captain Liam Cooper to the oblivious Robin Koch was intercepted by boo-boy Jack Grealish, giving him the freedom of the half, he drew out the goalkeeper and slipped the ball to Haaland to knock into an empty net for his 19th of the campaign. Grealish enjoyed the goal more than Haaland after receiving plenty of Elland Road rancour throughout.

"The difference in class was obvious from the first minute and did not subside for the next 46, culminating with Rodri scoring with City’s 16th shot of the half in stoppage-time. Haaland, who grew up with an Erik Bakke shirt on his wall, and Grealish combined again for a fine one-two to create the 20th of the season for City’s No 9, as Grealish passed the ball perfectly back to the Leeds-born striker to find the corner, via Illan Meslier’s hand, to end the match as a contest in the 64th minute, even though Pascal Struijk headed home a corner to offer vague hope.

READ MORE: Every word Jesse Marsch said on Leeds United's defeat, Klich, Radrizzani comments, injuries, Haaland

"Within the opening 40 seconds Haaland could have given City the lead when he latched onto Nathan Aké’s over the top pass. The Norwegian saw the advancing Meslier, who passed a fitness test to play, and tried to lob the goalkeeper but the Frenchman’s outstretched hand diverted the ball off target, allowing a defender to clear as it bounced in the six-yard box, leaving Alfie, watching from the stands, to cling onto parity."

'Disciplined' Leeds United frustrate Manchester City

Phil Dawkes of the BBC said: "Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals as Manchester City overcame a stubborn Leeds to reduce Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to five points. Frustrated by a disciplined and determined home side and their own profligacy for much of the first half at Elland Road, City snatched the lead just before the break through Rodri's follow-up finish and then sped into the distance in a one-sided second half.

"Having seen a couple of efforts saved early in the game, Haaland - playing in the city of his birth against the side he supports - did not celebrate his goals but showed little mercy in securing them to bring up his impressive tally in just his 14th game of the campaign. He could not miss for his first, set up in front of an open goal by the unselfish Jack Grealish, who himself had missed a hat-trick of good opportunities in the first 45 minutes.

"Grealish was the provider again for Haaland's second, which he slotted in from close range following a deflection to give Leeds too much of an deficit to overcome. In keeping with their display, the home side refused to lie down and got a goal back through Pascal Struijk's header from a corner.

"And they could have set up a grandstand finish had Joe Gelhardt's poked finish not trickled the wrong side of the post. City, though, secured the win to move back up to second behind the Gunners and two points better off than third-placed Newcastle, both of whom won on Monday.

"The relegation battle is no less intense, with Leeds in 15th place on 15 points and one of 11 teams separated by just eight points."

Erling Haaland scores twice as Manchester City beat dogged Leeds

Richard Jolly of the Guardian said: "They were goals scored by a player born in Leeds, celebrated by a former Leeds footballer and, for most at Elland Road, they had a certain depressing inevitability. Of course Erling Haaland struck in his first match in the city of his birth, against the club his watching father, Alf Inge, played for.

"Unsurprisingly, he found the net at the expense of Jesse Marsch, his manager at Red Bull Salzburg. As Haaland scores against everyone else, he was unlikely to make an exception for a club or a coach close to his heart. There was a late chant of “you’re Leeds and you know you are”. Sadly for the majority present, he was in Manchester City’s colours.

"Haaland being Haaland, he did not settle for one: a brace took him to 26 goals in 20 games for City. Perhaps more remarkably, he has 20 already in the Premier League. It is more than Chelsea have mustered and, whatever silverware 2023 brings City, it seems certain to produce a Golden Boot for Haaland."

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