Goals end ‘long’ US tour on a high, says Haaland

Erling Haaland has said he is short of “perfect” condition but was satisfied with a 4-2 win over Chelsea which included a hat-trick from the two-time Premier League top scorer in Ohio.

Striker Haaland capitalised on calamitous defending to put City 2-0 ahead on their US tour after five minutes with two goals in two minutes.

A minute after Oscar Bobb had struck to make it 3-0, Haaland seized on Malo Gusto’s’s error to ensure replies by Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke were only consolations.

Highlights of our victory over Chelsea in our final USA tour match, including a hat-trick from @ErlingHaaland! 🙌 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6RcZEzNz4k

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2024

Haaland on City’s US tour

“It’s been a long tour but a good finish,” Haaland told City’s website. “Now it’s back to Manchester to meet all the other guys and continue.

“It’s not perfect but it’s getting better and we’ll soon all be in top form, which is good. We have to get into rhythm – and we will. We’ll keep on doing what we’ve been doing.”

The win was City’s first of their trip to the US following a 4-3 defeat to Celtic, a 3-2 loss to Milan and a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

Haaland praised the “quality” of City’s academy players who have been given opportunities against high-profile opponents by manager Pep Guardiola.

“You see it in the games,” said the Norway international. “Small margins made us lose but in general, the quality has been high. It’s been good.

5️⃣ goals in pre-season for @ErlingHaaland! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/h0q9xlFFmt

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 3, 2024

Man City fixtures, schedule

City return to England to meet Manchester United, who they lost to in the FA Cup final on May 25, in the Community Shield on Saturday (3pm).

Their Premier League season starts at Chelsea on August 18 (4.30pm), with their first home game against Ipswich Town six days later (3pm).

“If they hire us for next season, people will be happy because we score and concede a lot,” Guardiola said, addressing the promoters of the tour and speaking about the fitness of his players.

“Everyone is healthy and safe. We showed good spirit against very tough opponents, which is really good. Whether we lost or won, nothing changes. Now the real preparation is the season starting in seven days – simple as that.”