Erling Haaland: Rio Ferdinand says Manchester City striker is ‘out of order really' after brace against Everton

Rio Ferdinand admitted Erling Haaland’s goalscoring record for Manchester City “does draw a gasp” after the striker's second-half brace saw off the challenge of Everton and sent his side top of the Premier League.

It was the Norway international's first start at the Etihad since his return from injury and it was underwhelming for the best part of 70 minutes as a resolute Toffees defence thwarted Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.

But all Haaland needs is a chance and he got two in 15 minutes and made them count to make it 53 goals in 52 appearances since moving to Manchester.

“He is taking the mick,” Ferdinand said on TNT Sports. “It’s out of order really when you look at it. The thing that stands out for me is that we were sitting there going, ‘Haaland looks way off it’ but he doesn't really care.

“There's so many other strikers who feel they have to be involved in the game to get that rhythm. Just let the ball bounce anywhere near him in and around that box and he’ll bag it and that's what he did today.

“Everton did really well but when you’ve got a man like this who is a natural-born goalscorer, you always have an opportunity to get a goal to win a game. They are two great goals.”

His first was all about power as his first-time strike bulleted through Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal, while the second was a classic counter-attack, showing the devastating options City have going forward.

Kevin De Bruyne further highlighted what he brings to the team as his perfectly weighted ball put it on a plate for his No. 9, who brushed aside the challenge of Jarrad Branthwaite with ease before slotting it into the corner.

“When De Bruyne gets the ball and turns this is where Haaland’s licking his lips,” Ferdinand added. “This is what we were accustomed to seeing as a striker at Dortmund.

“Once De Bruyne turns and faces up the game, watch the movement. He’s off, that’s it. Head down and the young defender, I thought played well today, that's just naivety maybe to feel that he can to toe-to-toe with a player who's in the absolute prime in terms of physical capabilities.”

Haaland admitted he has hated his time on the sidelines. The 23-year-old had been out of action since early December until making his return from the bench in a home win against Burnley.

“It's been horrible and I really don't like it,” he said. “But again, though, it makes you appreciate more going into training every day, appreciate meeting up to games, being a bit nervous before the game and all of these kinds of things.

“So it makes your mind think a bit different. Now just coming into training, I appreciate it so much more suddenly, because I know how it is without it.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.