If Haaland’s excellence was predictable, Cherki represented the major positive of City’s afternoon. His maiden Premier League campaign has been interrupted by injury but the Frenchman chalked up 20 assists for Lyon last season. He had two in the first half against Bournemouth and, for good measure, almost scored with a free kick.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has this week moved to shut down chatter likening him to Barcelona and Real Madrid legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.This comes amid what has been nothing

There had been ample evidence to show stopping Erling Haaland meant stopping City. And so it proved on an afternoon where game state played an important role in City dominating play but not having anything go their way.

So it was best to narrow it down and Haaland, rather than boasting, was merely being inquisitive.“I am not being arrogant,” the Norwegian added and, in his defence, it is worth noting that Pep Guardiola believes his centre-forward has a humility that is rare in a footballer of his calibre.

Pep Guardiola is confident that Erling Haaland will remain loyal to Manchester City, despite reports continually pushing Barcelona’s interest in the prolific striker. Barça have been linked with Haaland for some time, forced to consider a future without ...