đź”— Share this article Erling Haaland Unstoppable as Manchester City Defeat Villarreal The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th straight City fixture. The visitors secured a relatively easy 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with Bernardo Silva adding a second goal in a first half of clear superiority. Although the hosts had moments in the second period, they created minimal consistent threat. When Haaland was withdrawn late on, relief spread through the ground—the impact had long been done. Commanding Opening from Manchester City City started brightly, with the number nine, Savinho, and JĂ©rĂ©my Doku linking up to force the Villarreal keeper into an early save. Only moments, the striker headed a opportunity just wide. The City manager used a fluid setup, sometimes looking like a three-man defense, with the defender dropping into defense when required. The visitors enjoyed sixty-nine percent of the ball in the opening period, though their dominance felt more pronounced. Villarreal Find It Tough to Keep Up Marcelino's team seemed unable to decipher City's patterns. Villarreal opted for a defensive line and fast counterattacks, but City exceeded them in athleticism and technique. Any hints of threat from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with RĂşben Dias stopping Mikautadze and Gueye shooting wide. Patience was key for Manchester City, especially in the build-up to the opening strike. Opening Strike Demonstrates City's Control That first goal on seventeen minutes epitomized City's calmness. Savinho and Stones exchanged passes multiple times on the right flank, pulling Villarreal out. Then, the tempo changed—slow movement turned into a rapid sequence, Rico Lewis surging into the box and pulling back for Haaland to finish. Second Header Seals the Victory City's next strike was more simple. Again, the winger sent in a cross from the right, and Bernardo Silva drifted free to nod in from point-blank. After the Break Sees Momentary Resistance Although Villarreal showed a bit of fight in the second half—with PĂ©pĂ© and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—City mostly maintained control. The striker came close on two occasions, once with a strong effort and then with a guided attempt, but LuĂz JĂşnior saved him each time. Haaland has now scored in 9 straight matches. City dominated the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes. Villarreal recorded only a handful of attempts on target. Ultimately, it was a professional display from City, as they carry on their strong run in Europe.