Marsch credits Haaland's 'infectious' hunger after Man City striker dominates reunion

Jesse Marsch has credited his former Salzburg striker Erling Haaland's 'contagious' thirst for goals after the Manchester City talisman tormented Leeds United at Elland Road.

Haaland made his first Premier League trip to his hometown a memorable one by scoring a second-half brace after Rodri struck first for the champions, who moved within five points of leaders Arsenal with a 3-1 victory.

The 22-year-old has now scored 20 Premier League goals in just 14 appearances, seven fewer than the player who was previously the quickest, former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips.

Having coached Haaland for half a season in Austria, Marsch is well aware of the Norwegian's talents and has never seen a player so eager to score.

"Haaland has an incredible ability to know where to be to score goals, and a thirst for goals like I've never seen before," Marsch told Amazon Prime Video.

"When you have him in your team, it's contagious. We obviously see his quality, but it's a desire that spreads through the team."

When asked if that hunger made Pep Guardiola men's title favourites, Marsch replied: "I don't know, but it makes Haaland one of my favorite players to watch."

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Haaland squandered two excellent chances to open the scoring before finally punishing Leeds, pulling two one-on-one saves from Illan Meslier before the break.

The striker told Amazon Prime Video he was disappointed not to have scored five times, quotes which were passed on to Guardiola after the match.

"I'm so upset, I'm so upset," Guardiola joked. "We are delighted with his humility and his groundedness.

"He's an exceptional guy with his work ethic and professionalism. It's a treat for our opponents to have him there.

"Wasted opportunities are part of the game. At this stadium, against a team that have played very well against top sides like Arsenal and Liverpool, it's a big compliment for the lads in their first game of Premier League after the World Cup."

Haaland has now scored 26 goals in just 20 competitive appearances for City, making him the fastest player to reach 25 goals under Guardiola during the manager's top career.

World Cup winner Lionel Messi was the previous record holder, taking eight more games to reach the tally while playing in Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona side.