Jack Grealish has revealed that Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara questioned whether Erling Haaland is human after the Norwegian scored a brace in Manchester City's 5-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland's double, Davit Khockolava's own-goal and strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez earned Pep Guardiola's side their third victory from their opening three Champions League matches. It was a comprehensive success from City, who might have scored more on another day if it wasn't for Grabara as he made a number of fine saves.
However, the ex-Liverpool shot-stopper could do nothing about both of Haaland's goals. The first was a typical Haaland strike as Joao Cancelo's low cross was met by the 22-year-old and he steered the ball into the bottom corner with his weaker right foot.
Moments later, Haaland scored his second with what could be described as a poachers finish. Sergio Gomez's powerful volley from just outside the area was palmed away, straight to the feet of Haaland who pounced and prodded the ball into an empty net.
City led three-nil at half-time after Khockolava's own-goal and Guardiola made the decision to substitute Haaland with Southampton coming up in under three days' time. The former Borussia Dortmund man has now tallied up 19 goals for the season, including 14 in the Premier League - a truly remarkable record at this stage of the campaign.
How many goals will Erling Haaland score this season? Let us know in the comments below!
After City's win over Copenhagen, Grealish opened up about what 'keeper Grabara told him during the contest and how he's adapted to playing with Haaland since he joined the club from Dortmund. "Do you know what, it’s unbelievable honestly," he said of Haaland.
"I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life. I was just laughing, like how?! "He’s always there. It’s a pleasure to play with him. Their goalkeeper said to me after one of his goals, he’s not human! I was like I know. He’s so humble, he’s great around the place, that's God's honest truth. Hopefully he can carry this on and fire us to glory."
Grealish is beginning to show why City paid £100million for him from Aston Villa, with the 27-year-old performing at a high level consistently on a weekly basis. Although he didn't provide a goal or an assist, Grealish was named as the Player of the Match by UEFA for his efforts.
"Yeah I loved it," he added. "Obviously playing in the Champions League at Etihad is a great feeling, Three wins out of three in the group and at the top, it was a great night!
"I’m loving it at the moment. My last three or four games I feel back to myself. I’m playing with freedom and confidence.
"It’s just when the luck is not with you. I’m going through one of them patches where nothing is falling for me. I’ve played a lot recently so I'm thankful to the manager. I’m playing with a smile on my face and really settling in here now."
