Young Boys 1-3 Manchester City: Erling Haaland double helps keep Citizens perfect in UEFA Champions League

Erling Haaland scored twice – ending a barely believable five-game Champions League drought – as Manchester City recorded their third 3-1 win out of three. Young Boys were game opponents, but City are now on the cusp of the last 16 and looked every inch the champions they are.

Both sides started well, missing chances in an entertaining first half. City had the more and the better, but Sandro Lauper’s poor touch when in on goal felt like a key moment in the match.

Not so. City took the lead on 48 minutes – Manuel Akanji reacted first after Ruben Dias’ header had been turned onto the bar – but just four minutes later, a sensational flipped finish from Meschak Elia drew the hosts level.

City, though, were a constant danger, and on 65 minutes, Rodri reached a loose ball ahead of Mohamed Ali Camara, who couldn’t help but fell him. Haaland despatched the penalty – just – and then delivered a ripper, stepping inside to curl a right-footed brute into the roof.

Young Boys kept at it and in the rain on astro are a difficult proposition for any side. But even when it was close, it was clear City would find a way, and even at this early stage of the season, it’s hard to see who’s stopping them.

If Pep Guardiola invented anything, he invented getting as many small, slight technicians as he could into one team. But somehow, during the course of last season, the greatest tactical mind in the game decided defenders who can defend are good and so are big lads.

With the Manchester derby coming up on Sunday, Guardiola made seven changes, and that looks a smart call. Where previously, his players risked being overpowered in conditions that suited their opponents, tonight he could send out a midfield of Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Rodri.

Add to that Haaland – and John Stones, who more or less plays midfield – and you have a team who are not just technically intimidating but physically imposing; where once they were a possession team, now they are a power/possession team – and, in the opinion of this observer, a lot more entertaining for it.

Rodri (Manchester City) Takes the ball, gives the ball, wins the ball. The best in the world in his position.

Young Boys: Racioppi 7, Blum 7, Camara 7, Bonito 7, Garcia 6, Niasse 7, Ugrinic 6, Lauper 6, Monteiro 6, Itten 6, Elia 8. Subs: Nsame 6, Ganvoula 6, Males 6, Persson 6, Janko 6.

Manchester City: Ederson 6, Lewis 7, Akanji 7, Dias 6, Ake 6, Kovacic 7, Rodri 8, Nunes 7, Doku 6, Haaland 7, Grealish 7. Subs: Alvarez 7, Bernardo 7, Phillips 6, Gomez 6

48’ – GOAL! Young Boys 0-1 Manchester City (Akanji) Kovacic turns back from the by-line, Rodri coaxes a luscious first-time ball into the middle, and Dias crashes a header that Racioppi tips onto the bar … but Akanji reacts like a cat, leaping onto the loose ball to force home.

52’ – OH MAN WHAT A GOAL! Young Boys 1-1 Manchester City (Ella) A lovely first touch from Niasse allows him to slide a gorgeous pass in behind for Ella – though where are City?! – and he scoops a gloooorious finish over the advancing Ederson and in! Amazing goal, and doesn’t he enjoy it!

65’ – PENALTY TO CITY! Grealish wriggles acrposs the faces of the box, shoots … and Rodri reaches the ball ahead of Camara who bodychecks him as a consequence. Glenn Hoddle doesn’t like it and I totally see why, but it’s a “stonewaller for me”.

67’ – GOAL! Young Boys 1-2 Manchester City 2 (Haaland pen) The drought is over! Haaland hits it hard down the middle and Raciotti, diving out of the way, gets a touch but not enough of a touch.

74’ – GOAL! Young Boys 1-3 Manchester City (Alvarez) It’s just ridiculous, isn’t it. Grelaish picks up a loose pass and finds Alvarez, who beats his man, plays off Haaland, accepts the return and clips a lovely finish across Racioppi into the far corner!

37’ – GOAL! Young Boys 1-3 Man City (Haaland) Haaland is feeling himself now! Rodri punches into him, his first touch is elastic, a leg extended to bring the ball under control. He dips inside his man curls right-footed … and into the roof of the net Not quite top bins, but he’ll take it!