TheCable

Erling Haaland scored twice on his English Premier League (EPL) debut to lead Manchester City to a 2-0 victory over West Ham United in their opening fixture at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Norwegian striker scored in both halves — tucking away a penalty he won in the first before sealing the victory with a well-placed finish in the second period against a tepid West Ham side.

Haaland’s strikes dispelled his poor Community Shield performance last weekend in the defeat against Liverpool.

Man City dominated from the first whistle and were a good value for the win that gives them an early advantage over Liverpool, their closest rival in recent years.

Manchester United were, however, consigned to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were uninspiring in Erik Ten Hag’s first competitive match as the club’s latest manager, with the Dutchman watching on as Brighton took a 2-0 lead at halftime.

An own goal gifted Man United a lifeline but the record EPL champions could not steal a point.

RESULTS

• Leicester City 2-2 Brentford
• Manchester United 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
• West Ham United 0-2 Manchester City