Erling Haaland continued his incredible scoring form with two more goals as Manchester City brushed aside Copenhagen to make it three wins from three in Champions League Group G.
Holland was taken off at half-time and therefore missed out on a fourth hat-trick for City, but his first-half double means he now has his first 12 games under Pep Guardiola. I have 19 goals.
With or without him, City were too quick and smart for their Danish rivals and would have scored five more goals in a completely one-sided contest if not for Copenhagen keeper Kamel Grabara.
Fresh from crushing neighbors Manchester United at the weekend, City and Holland picked up where they left off on Sunday and took less than seven minutes to open their account.
Cancelo’s low cross found Holland in space inside the area and, predictably, he made no mistake with a powerful finish that was his first touch of the game.
The only surprise was that it took until after the half-hour mark for City to extend their lead and, predictably, it was Holland who tapped in the loose ball after Grabara had blocked Sergio Gomes’ shot. was in the right place to do it.
The last thing Copenhagen needed at this stage was bad luck but their woes were compounded just before half-time when Gomes’ shot took a double deflection past Denis Vavro and then David Khochulava into the net.
With the victory secured, Holland was replaced at half-time by Cole Palmer – even goal machines need a rest – as City look to their next game against Southampton here on Saturday.
His exit reduced City’s threat but they still dominated possession and more goals followed.
Riyad Mahrez made it 4-0 from the penalty spot after Emerick Laporte was fouled, then the Algerian forward set up Julian Alvarez to score from close range.
City were completely dominant and will be heavy favorites to repeat that result in Denmark next week and ensure their progress to the last 16.
There is also competition for places in the city.
Holland will continue to grab the headlines but Guardiola will be delighted to see Mahrez get off the mark with his first goal and assist of 2022-23.
The 31-year-old was City’s top scorer last season with 24 goals in all competitions, but has been in incredible form in the early stages of this campaign.
This week, Guardiola even said he wouldn’t select him until he improved his physical fitness – but that was certainly the reaction he was looking for from Mahrez after he was reinstated into the team. .
