Maresca praises Haaland after winning goal at Leipzig

Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in Manchester City's 3-2 win at RB Leipzig, his 13th touch of the match, with a typical poacher's finish at the back post. The finish came after strong work from Elliot Anderson.

Manager Enzo Maresca said it is crucial that Haaland stays switched on, regardless of how involved he is before scoring. "I said yesterday that it’s always important that Erling is inside the game," Maresca said. "We know that any moment he can help us and he can score goals."

Maresca also pointed to chances the team missed. "Tonight also we scored more goals with different players, so we created so many chances that unfortunately we missed." He added: "I’m very happy he scored. Happy for him. It’s always a nice feeling to win and to be the captain."

Haaland has nine goals in nine appearances this season, and City sit second in the table after nine matches. Maresca acknowledged the side can still improve, saying he is confident that will happen because the group is still building understanding. "It’s four months we are together," he said. "But I’m happy with the three points because its Champions League away, in Germany, it’s always difficult."