English Premier League: Erling Haaland double against Southampton keeps Manchester City in title hunt

Erling Haaland has netted a brilliant bicycle kick, as he scored a brace in Manchester City's 4-1 English Premier League win at bottom side Southampton to keep the pressure on leaders Arsenal.

Returning from injury, Haaland shook off any signs of rust by opening the scoring for the visitors in the final minute of the first half, meeting Kevin De Bruyne's cross with a powerful close-range header that gave Southampton keeper Gavin Bazunu no chance.

Erling Haaland celebrates a goal against Southampton
Erling Haaland celebrates a goal against Southampton. Photo credit: Getty Images

Jack Grealish made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, sprinting onto another sublime pass from De Bruyne, before firing a left-foot shot that Bazunu saved, only for the winger to slam home the rebound to double City's advantage.

Grealish turned provider 10 minutes later, racing away down the left, before chipping a cross to Haaland, which the Norwegian acrobatically volleyed home for his 30th league goal of the season.

He was replaced by Julian Alvarez and although Southampton pulled a goal back through substitute Sekou Mara in the 72nd minute, they conceded a penalty almost immediately and Alvarez restored City's three-goal lead from the spot.

City remain second on 67 points, five behind Arsenal after 29 games of the 38-game season, with the Gunners taking on Liverpool on Monday (NZ time). Southampton are bottom on 23 points, four behind Everton in 17th. 

Reuters