Alan Shearer names ‘massively improved’ Man City player who’s reignited Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland notched his seventh and eighth goals of the Premier League season as Manchester City hammered Burnley 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Burnley gave Pep Guardiola’s men a scare when they equalised through Jaidon Anthony to make the half-time scoreline 1-1.
However, a second-half goal from Matheus Nunes, Maxime Esteve’s second own goal, and Haaland’s brace secured a comprehensive win for Man City on 27 September.
The Etihad Stadium outfit sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of their Champions League trip to Monaco on Wednesday, 1 October.
Jeremy Doku has improved his end product at Man City
Guardiola will be pleased that Haaland is in prolific form, while winger Jeremy Doku has also enjoyed a strong start to the season, producing three assists in six Premier League appearances.
Speaking on The Rest is Football, Alan Shearer said: “I think Doku is looking really good this season. He seems definitely to have more of an end product.
“Haaland, I think, is benefitting from that. He’s pretty sharp again, I think that’s eight goals in six games. He’s flying. I think he’s benefitting from that.
“Without doubt, there’s been a massive improvement, for me, in Doku this season.”
Liverpool defeat reignites Pep Guardiola’s Premier League title hopes
Man City suffered successive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton in August, denting their chances of winning their second Premier League title in three seasons.
| Man City’s last three results | Premier League |
| Opponent | Result |
| Man United (H) | 3-0 W |
| Arsenal (A) | 1-1 D |
| Burnley (H) | 5-1 W |
However, since losing to the Seagulls, the North West side have enjoyed four wins in their last five games across all competitions, including a 3-0 triumph over local rivals Manchester United.
Consequently, Guardiola’s men sit five points adrift of top spot, after Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace on 27 September, thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s 97th-minute winner.
The Reds will fancy their chances of bouncing back from that defeat when they face an out-of-form Chelsea outfit in their next Premier League game on Saturday, 4 October.
However, Liverpool’s loss will certainly give the Etihad Stadium outfit hope that they can trouble both the Anfield club and Arsenal in the title race.
Man City endured a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on 21 September, but their heavy win over Burnley should reinstall plenty of confidence.