MANCHESTER -- It was a day, and a game, that perfectly illustrated what a top level striker can do for a team. It was also more evidence of why Erling Haaland is among the best in the world.

Manchester City could have lost against Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday; instead, they won 2-0. Football is a team sport and it's never really about one player. Except sometimes it is.

Goalless at half-time, there was growing frustration among the City supporters in the stands as the clock ticked towards the hour mark. Then, in the space of five minutes, Haaland had his first two shots of the match, scored twice and won the game. The first was a towering header. The second was a first-time sweeping finish. Two very different efforts on goal, but both ended up in the net.

"He's our key

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