It might have been the Erling Haaland show, but Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster put in a good shift on his Premier League debut against the reigning UEFA Champions League holders.
Foster, in Burnley FC colours on Friday evening, became the 17th South African to play in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of the legendary Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar.
On the night, Burnley FC suffered a 3-0 defeat at Turf Moor, with Haaland scoring a first-half brace and Rodri netting the third to seal the three points for the current Premier League champions in their league opener.
The Soweto-born star appeared to be in great form as he showed some skilful touches. He had two shots at goal, one curled just wide of Ederson’s left post and another shot was deflected wide for a corner against a solid defence of Man City.
Fans on social media were full of praise for the ex-Orlando Pirates man, with his coach Vincent Kompany only taking off the 22-year-old in the 90th minute, an indication that the Burnley mentor was pleased with Foster’s performance.
COMPANY PLEASED WITH FOSTER AND CO.
The Burnley coach was happy with how his troops played in their first match back in the Premier League.
Lyle Foster, who joined Burnley in January from Westerlo in Belgium, played a role as the Clarets won the Championship last season to gain promotion to the Premier League.
“There were some good things in this performance, and I have to focus on that side of it against the best team in the world at the moment,” said Kompany, who is also a Man City legend.
“We have to progress again and work harder than every other team in the Premier League. That’s our job. Progress, progress, progress.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:South African star Lusanda Nyathi signs semi-pro contract overseas
“The positives? You tell the team to get something out of the game, you want to get a result. That’s a given. But there are other things in this game that create a foundation for the season – winning tackles, going at defenders one-vs-one, creating chances, moving the ball, and pressing.
“Me saying the team is only going to get stronger, I think it’s fair and that’s what we have to look for.”