Haaland's emphatic message to doubters
If Erling Haaland listened to the narrative, he'd have no confidence going into Manchester City's win at West Ham. Instead, but he was always alert on West Ham's big London Stadium pitch and showed his rapid turn of pace to dart onto a through-ball that looked lost and win a penalty. His confident finish and meditation celebration were nothing new, although could be interpreted as a message to those doubting him this week.
And after both Riyad Mahrez and Pep Guardiola said they expect the Algerian to take penalties despite Haaland's arrival, the pinpoint finish from 12 yards in off the post was arguably one of the best spot kicks seen from City in some time. Mahrez might not get those responsibilities back.
Three touches to hammer home his point
Haaland had just 16 touches in the first half at West Ham, but one was to nudge the ball past Alphonse Areola to win a penalty and another was to convert the penalty. He was more involved after the break, linking up play more, although he only needed one further touch when sent free by Kevin De Bruyne to slot home his second after some West Ham pressure to kill the game.
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Once again, he saw a few runs go unnoticed, and City may have to get used to a central forward player who doesn't always show for the ball, but in Haaland they have a player always alert in the box. Even on a quiet day, he will score goals, showing it doesn't matter how many touches he has - more what he does with them.
Bernardo benched
On Friday, Pep Guardiola admitted he didn't know if Bernardo Silva would still be at City after the transfer window, amid interest from Barcelona and the player's long-held stance that he'd be open to a move. Bernardo had started all three pre-season games, but was dropped for Ilkay Gundogan at West Ham.
There were tactical advantages to that selection, of course, with West Ham boasting a talented midfield and Gundogan offering more control in a contest won in the centre of the park. However, there are bound to be connections made between the doubts over Bernardo's future and his prompt dropping on the opening day.
Champions prove their character
City couldn't have asked for a much tougher opening clash than a trip to West Ham, and the hosts' confidence may have been buoyed by seeing Fulham take a point off an under-par Liverpool side, Brighton stun Manchester United, as well as Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton giving Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham difficult afternoons.
Despite a frantic first five minutes for West Ham, they rarely threatened a similar opening day shock, though, and City enjoyed a relatively comfortable first three points of the season. The league isn't won on the opening day, but the Blues know as well as anyone that victory at West Ham is never guaranteed, and this was a statement of intent from the champions.
Foden shows what Guardiola asked for
In the week, Guardiola challenged Jack Grealish to use any minutes in games or in training to show why he deserved to play. If players caught his eye, they would play, he said.
So when Phil Foden was selected ahead of Riyad Mahrez, and Guardiola said his training performances were 'incredible' this week, it was a sign of the manager backing up his words, and Foden did enough on the right to suggest he is a viable option there after the exits of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.
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