'Do I need to be more involved?' - Man City terminator Erling Haaland appears to question Pep Guardiola demand after goalscoring return to Premier League action at Chelsea

Haaland's Premier League season is up and running after the Manchester City goal machine struck in a 2-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday. The Norwegian scored the opening goal of the game as Pep Guardiola's side got their title defence off to a strong start at Stamford Bridge.

Despite Haaland's phenomenal goalscoring record at City, he has often come under scrutiny for a lack of touches or involvement in games, particularly after a 4-0 win over Bournemouth when he managed just eight touches. Haaland produced 17 against Chelsea and said afterwards his manager wants to see him more involved in games.

He told Sky Sports: "Three points, a perfect start. First games are always hard, for everyone, it doesn't matter if you had a pre-season or not. I had a long pre-season but I don't feel perfect, I'm not in the perfect state. It's good to get that win.
"I knew exactly what to do, I think it was a really good goal. I remember last year he [Sanchez] made a really good save against me, it had been irritating  me for a long time, so yeah, it was a perfect goal.
"The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That's the important thing. Pep says this to me all the time.
"I want to get more involved, that's what Pep wants. But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That's the million-dollar question. I want to get more assists and become a better player."

Haaland has been directly involved in 106 goals in 100 appearances for Manchester City. His goal against Chelsea was his 91st for the club.

Guardiola will surely be a happy man as long as Haaland keeps on putting the ball in the back of the net for City. The champions are back in action on Saturday against newly-promoted Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium.