Erling Haaland reacts brilliantly to Kevin De Bruyne's free kick against Leicester City

• Erling Haaland was left in awe at Kevin De Bruyne’s sublime free kick against Leicester City
• That solitary goal was enough to send the Citizens to the top of the table, at least temporarily
• Haaland was a conspicuous absentee from the game as he suffered a knock in midweek

The Premier League’s current top scorer Erling Haaland was left in awe after Kevin de Bruyne scored an inch-perfect free kick to give Manchester City a crucial win over Leicester City on Saturday, October 29.

Haaland was a notable absentee from the game as fans were left surprised by Guardiola’s decision to omit the Norwegian from the squad altogether.

It was slightly expected, however, as the striker, who has 17 Premier League goals so far this season, seemed to have sustained a knock in midweek during the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Darwin Nunez: Insane stats show why the Liverpool striker should have similar numbers to Erling Haaland

Football

Guardiola instead went for another new acquisition up front in the form of Julian Alvarez, but the striker could not add to his two Premier League goals this season.

Leicester defender resolutely, but their resistance was eventually broken in the second half, although it took something extremely special from Man City’s Belgian magician.

De Bruyne struck a dead ball to perfection, leaving Leicester keeper Danny Ward with no chance.

Haaland, who was clearly following his side’s proceedings from home, then took to Twitter soon after the goal to gush over De Bruyne’s strike.

As reported by The Mirror, Haaland tagged De Bruyne in the tweet followed by the heart-eyes emoji in a clear message that he was impressed and happy with the goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Fans slam Man United star for disrespect during Tottenham clash

Football

It was the first goal Leicester had conceded since October 8, and football fans all said the same thing about De Bruyne after the game.

This De Bruyne guy never gives us a chance to laugh at him, I’m tired of this guy man Said one fan

Maturing is realising that Kevin De Bruyne is right up there with the greatest midfielders Football has ever seen. Another added.

Kevin De Bruyne might seriously be the best ever Premier League midfielder.

Diego Costa shown first red card since return

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Diego Costa’s red card which he received during Wolves’ game against Brentford.

Costa, a former striker at Chelsea, is known for his abrasive nature and it has taken him less than five games in a Wolves shirt to get his first dismissal.

The towering striker clattered into Mee deep into stoppage time as Wolves chased for a late winner.