“I recharged my batteries!” – Erling Haaland reacts to Leeds brace in first Premier League game back from World Cup break

Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City’s first league game since the Qatar World Cup in a 3-1 victory against Leeds at Elland Road.

The 22-year-old forward, who moved to the Etihad Stadium in the summer, took his tally to 20 goals in his debut Premier League campaign on Wednesday evening as Pep Guardiola’s men retained second place in the league table, five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Chances were aplenty for the Blues in the first half but the opener came only on the stroke of half-time as Rodri squeezed the ball past Illan Meslier after Riyad Mahrez’s saved effort.

After a mixed opening 45 minutes that saw Jack Grealish squander a great chance to open proceedings, the England international silenced his critics by teeing up Erling Haaland to give City some breathing space early in the second half.

Haaland tapped home minutes before Grealish again set up the Norway international to put the game to bed, maintaining his sensational start to life in England.

Reflecting on his first goals following the World Cup break, the Leeds-born striker said: “I recharged my batteries. To see other players score at the (Qatar) World Cup, kind of motivates me, and irritates me.

“I just said it inside, I could have scored five goals (against Leeds). But that’s life, what can I do? I have to practice more!”

Haaland has picked up where he left off since the return of club football with three strikes against Liverpool and Leeds in the space of a week.

The games will come thick and fast for Guardiola’s side over the festive period as City next host Everton on New Year’s Eve, a week before they face Graham Potter’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.