Erling Haaland did the unexpected to give Man City control against Bayern Munich

The theory is that Erling Haaland is the missing piece of the jigsaw for Manchester City in the Champions League. His relentless appetite for goals could prove to be the difference between those agonising near-misses and City finally getting their hands on that iconic trophy.

His mind-blowing record of 45 goals in 39 games - 11 in seven in the Champions League - suggests it could be an accurate assessment. He can pick open tight games and pummel opposition who are on the ropes.

But he's becoming more than just a goalscorer as well. Pep Guardiola has said consistently this season that he hopes to leave his mark on the 22-year-old, by getting him more involved in the build-up play and a more unpredictable threat.

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There is still more to come on that front but if it's the unexpected you want then look no further of what was Haaland's sixth assist for the club. When Jack Grealish played him in after winning the ball from Dayot Upamecano it looked like a great shooting opportunity.

But as Yann Sommer came out to narrow the angle, Haaland feinted. He pulled his left foot but instead flicked a cross into the space that was quickly being targeted by Bernardo Silva. His header doubled City's lead after Rodri's brilliant opener.

Haaland did what he usually does, of course. His finish for City's third was underrated and that's the goal which pretty much killed this tie off ahead of next week's second leg in Munich, but the versatility in his game is another reason why this could yet be City's year.

It was a clash of styles down the City right at the Etihad. Alphonso Davies has pace to burn at left-back for Bayern, while Bernardo Silva has to be, with all due respect, one of the