Blue smoke shrouded the Etihad Stadium at kick-off. The message on the pitch, courtesy of a massive banner, had read: “This is Manchester”. If it was meant to signify the arrival of a striking superstar, an update of the “Welcome to Manchester” posters that greeted Carlos Tevez 13 years ago, Erling Haaland could not provide the finish to accompany the fanfare.
His home debut featured an assist but not a goal, and a lovely pass was perhaps proof that Pep Guardiola’s coaching can turn anyone into a creator, but the virtuoso display came from Kevin de Bruyne. Haaland may yet become the Premier League’s most prolific forward but De Bruyne has had a status as its most compelling midfielder for years.
