Sat Sep 14 16:57:27 UTC 2024: ## Manchester City Overcomes Early Scare to Beat Brentford, Haaland Scores Twice

**MANCHESTER, England (Reuters)** – Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Brentford. Erling Haaland scored twice for the champions, despite a stunning early goal from the visitors.

Yoane Wissa shocked the Etihad Stadium by opening the scoring for Brentford just 22 seconds into the match, the fastest goal of the Premier League season so far. However, Haaland quickly restored parity in the 19th minute with a powerful finish from a tight angle.

The Norwegian striker then completed his brace in the second half, outmuscling defender Ethan Pinnock before chipping the ball past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken for his ninth goal of the season.

Despite Haaland’s attempts to secure a hat-trick, Flekken made a number of impressive saves to deny the league’s leading scorer. City held on to secure the three points, but manager Pep Guardiola revealed that the team is not discussing the 115 charges of alleged financial rule breaches currently facing the club.

“We are focused on our game, on the pitch,” said Guardiola. “The players are not talking about it, and neither am I.”

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