Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MANCHESTER, England — Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City's starting lineup for its Premier League clash with Aston Villa. The league's top scorer was named as a substitute for the game at Etihad Stadium a day after City manager Pep Guardiola described Halaand as the "best striker in the world." Guardiola still opted against naming him in a potentially crucial game in City's title defense. Key playmaker Kevin de Bruyne was also named as a substitute. But it didn't hinder the defending champion as Phil Foden scored a hat trick in a 4-1 rout at Etihad Stadium.
