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Pep Guardiola was thankful that his team has Erling Haaland netting goals and the Italian goalkeeper stopping them, following a win at Brentford's ground that came with another fitness issue for the midfielder.
"We possess an extraordinary striker and goalkeeper," stated Guardiola, with the forward's early goal turning out to be the decisive one. Haaland's recent performances are approaching the standards of City's treble-winning campaign, as the No 9 has found the net in nine consecutive games. "He is the top," added his boss. "In the year of the three trophies, he scored – how many? – 50 million times? I think he's part of the club now, he's settled. He believes now that it's his home."
On Donnarumma's decisive stop from Igor Thiago, he stated: "He began to play at the highest level at seventeen. When I learned he's 26 it's like he's had decades of football. His calmness, his aura. With clubs who are strong you face one piece of action and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."
Guardiola reached the individual milestone of 250 Premier League wins, surpassing Ferguson and Wenger in attaining that total in a record-breaking 349 games. "I'll treat them to a good dinner, perhaps elsewhere, in a warmer place," he said of those iconic coaches. "Or in Manchester. It's an honor and a pleasure to be in the league's history. I say thank you to the team and the squad and the backroom team I had. We did it quicker and sooner. Now let's go for 250 games more."
Regarding the player's muscle problem, the latest setback after a cruciate knee injury last season, Guardiola commented: "I'd prefer to have him frequently but after one year it occurs constantly, it is very taxing. That is why we tried to be cautious, use him for 60-65 minutes but it cannot happen more."
Keith Andrews, was pleased that his team improved after City's opening period dominance to pose a danger until the full-time signal. "Our aim to do is unite a team together, a club together, after so many transitions," he said. "I think it's growing. I think you could see that in the later stages performance today against top-level rivals."
Elara is a seasoned journalist and digital content creator with a passion for uncovering stories that matter.
Rita Davis
Rita Davis