De Bruyne says Haaland’s incredible form is ‘just the start’ following Brighton brace

Kevin De Bruyne warned Erling Haaland’s spectacular form is “just the start” after the striker’s brace helped Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Haaland was shut out as City fell to their first defeat of the season at Liverpool last week, leaving them four points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

But normal service was resumed as City downed Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the Norway international latching onto Ederson’s long pass to open the scoring before lashing home from the penalty spot.

The 22-year-old became the first City player to score in seven consecutive home games since Sergio Aguero in the 2017-18 season.

Haaland has now scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League appearances and team-mate De Bruyne says there is more to come.

“He is there to score the goals. He is having a really good season and helping us win games,” De Bruyne told Sky Sports.

“It’s just the start, he is doing what he needs to do. The team is playing well for the moment so that’s all we can do.”

Brighton came back into the contest through Leandro Trossard’s goal before De Bruyne found the top-left corner from long range to seal the points late on.

De Bruyne has now been directly involved in 153 Premier League goals for City (59 goals, 94 assists), moving level with David Silva’s tally for the club (60 goals, 93 assists) and behind only Aguero (231 – 184 goals, 47 assists).

“The first half, we had full control, we didn’t let them play. We should’ve scored to make it 3-0 and they scored for 2-1,” the midfielder added. 

“It was a bit tight in the game but obviously scoring the third finished the game. I got the ball from Bernardo [Silva], looked through the options, I was in space there, shot and it went in perfectly.”

City boss Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, praised his team’s resilience after they overcame a stern test from Roberto De Zerbi’s men.

“We struggled a bit, it’s one of the toughest games you could face at the moment, but we needed the three points after the defeat at Anfield,” Guardiola said.

“With the ball they have incredible quality and the two guys in the middle – they are a really good team.

“In those moments we have to be resilient and knew the game would be tough until the end. Kevin scored a goal that was magnificent, but we would fight to the end to avoid the draw or defeat.

“Sometimes it is important to understand the game we have to play.”