Erling Haaland was bounding around in celebration. Manchester City’s striker had just equalised against Liverpool and their top scorer’s joy was evident. But the 42-goal man was in the executive boxes, the City player nearest him a 1990s midfielder, in his father Alf Inge.
The forward and finisher on the pitch was Julian Alvarez. On a day to suggest the World Cup winner may be the world’s best second-choice striker, City had few reasons to regret Haaland’s absence. His antics in the plush seats suggested his groin problem should not sideline him for long, but if City are to retain their Premier League title, it will owe much to a tour de force from his deputy.
