Ruthless Manchester City trounce Bayern, put one foot in semifinals
Haaland sets new English goalscoring record in win
![Erling Haaland Dominates Premier League Golden Boot Race: Early Season Standings As the curtain rises on the 2023/24 Premier League season, Erling Haaland once again looms large in the race for the prestigious Golden Boot. The Norwegian striker, who etched his name in history with a record-breaking 36 goals in the previous campaign, continues to exhibit his scoring prowess, asserting dominance over his peers. Haaland's extraordinary form from the last season cast a shadow over the Golden Boot competition, making it appear one-sided as his rivals seemingly played catch-up. Now, as the new season unfolds, Haaland stands as both a symbolic and physical giant, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts eager to witness who will challenge him for the coveted top-scorer accolade. Here's a glance at the early contenders for the Golden Boot: 1. Erling Haaland | [Club Name] | Goals: 36 The Norwegian sensation has kicked off the 2023/24 season in blistering form, maintaining his status as the league's leading marksman. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Haaland seems poised to retain his Golden Boot crown. 2. Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Goals: 11 Despite Liverpool's sluggish form in the previous season, Salah managed an impressive tally of 19 goals. The determined Egyptian forward is keen on elevating both his and the Reds' fortunes, positioning himself as a formidable contender for the Golden Boot. 3. Son Heung-min | Tottenham Hotspur | Goals: 10 Son, a co-recipient of the Golden Boot with Salah in the last season, experienced a dip in form. However, with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou and creative midfielder James Maddison, he aims to rediscover his goal-scoring prowess for Spurs. 4. Jarrod Bowen | West Ham United | Goals: 9 Amidst changes at West Ham, Bowen is anticipated to be a crucial figure in the final third. The departure of Declan Rice places the onus on Bowen to emerge as a star, building on his impressive displays from the previous season. 5. Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa | Goals: 8 Watkins, a consistent performer for Villa, played a pivotal role in their Europa League qualification. Under Unai Emery's guidance, he seeks to maintain his goal-scoring form, contributing to Villa's quest for success. 6. Hwang Hee-chan | Wolves | Goals: 8 Hwang, despite struggling in the final third last season, aspires to make a significant impact for Wolves. His versatility, tenacity, and mobility may prove vital as he strives to deliver crucial goals for his team. 7. Dominic Solanke | Bournemouth | Goals: 8 Solanke stood out as a key performer for Bournemouth last season, significantly contributing to their survival. His goal-scoring ability positions him as a linchpin for the Cherries in the current campaign. 8. Callum Wilson | Newcastle | Goals: 7 At 31, Wilson defies age expectations with consistent goal-scoring performances. Following a prolific season, the former Bournemouth poacher aims to continue his remarkable run for Newcastle. 9. Alexander Isak | Newcastle | Goals: 7 After a delayed start due to injury, Isak made a substantial impact for Newcastle in the latter part of the previous season. With flair, audacity, and lethal finishing, he aims to establish himself as a top striker in the Premier League. 10. Bryan Mbuemo | Brentford | Goals: 7 Mbuemo, an integral part of Brentford's attack, aims to step up in the absence of Ivan Toney. His well-rounded talent, showcased by nine goals and eight assists last season, makes him a key player for the Bees. As the season unfolds, football enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling battle among these talented goal-scorers, injecting excitement into the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.](https://i0.wp.com/sportsration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230411_215259.jpg?fit=2048%2C1365&ssl=1)
Manchester City showed no mercy to the returning Joao Cancelo and Bayern Munich as they claimed a comprehensive 3-0 win over the German champions at home. The result puts Pep Guardiola’s men halfway through to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, with Bayern staring at elimination.
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel led his new side to the Etihad with a 100% record in the competition this season, looking to continue his dominance over Guardiola in the competition.
Manchester City started the match on the front foot, with Erling Haaland struggling to find his finishing touch in attack. The Citizens eventually took the lead with a bolt from the blue in the 27th minute.
Receiving the ball from Bernardo Silva around 30 yards from goal, Rodri nonchalantly hammered a left-footed effort which curled past the dive of Yann Sommer into the top corner to give the home side the lead.
Sommer needed to be at his best to deny Jack Grealish and Ilkay Gundogan as Manchester City sought to press home their advantage.
Bayern Munich emerged for the second half re-energised, with former Manchester City man Leroy Sane stinging the palms of Ederson thrice inside the opening ten minutes of the half. The German champions were in the ascendancy, but were unable to find the net.
After a period of end-to-end football, Bayern Munich inexplicably shot themselves in the foot in the 70th minute. Dayot Upamecano was caught on the ball in defence, allowing Grealish to play Haaland in behind with a neat backheel. The striker shaped to shoot before lifting a cross to Silva, who headed home his side’s second of the evening.
Six minutes later, Manchester City rounded off the scoring with a poacher’s finish from Haaland. The Norwegian striker was on hand to fire home a knockdown from John Stones, effectively ending the game and possibly the tie as a contest.
Manchester City will travel to Munich with a three-goal advantage while their opponents look to be eliminated barring a miraculous second leg. The German side were knocked out of the DFB Pokal by Freiburg only last week and may now also crash out of the UEFA Champions League.
