Haaland scoreless as City stage late comeback to win opener

Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, but star striker Erling Haaland endured a rare goalless outing in the Premier League opener. Despite numerous chances, including a significant miss from five meters out, the Norwegian striker could not find the net.

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It's still a bit of holiday mode for Haaland.

Bournemouth had taken a surprise lead in the first half through Tavernier, who finished neatly after a flowing move. The visitors held their advantage for much of the match, frustrating City's attack and prompting commentary about a "holiday mode" hangover for Haaland from a pundit.

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Suddenly it goes from a nightmare start to a dream start.

City's breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when a corner found Guéhi, who inadvertently headed the ball in off a Bournemouth player. The decisive blow arrived in stoppage time as Gvardiol scored to seal the three points for the home side, ensuring a winning start under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

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It's completely strange, how he doesn't finish there.

"Suddenly it goes from a nightmare start to a dream start," commentator Andreas Toft remarked for Viaplay, capturing the late turnaround. The victory, however, was overshadowed for some by Haaland's uncharacteristic lack of scoring.

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It's unbelievable that such a good header of the ball is left completely underpressed.