🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola was thankful that his squad has the Norwegian striker scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma stopping them, after a win at Brentford's ground that came at the cost of another fitness issue for the midfielder.

Haaland's Stunning Performance

"We possess an amazing forward and goalkeeper," stated Guardiola, with Haaland's early strike turning out to be the decisive one. His current form are reaching the levels of City's 2022-23 campaign, as the No 9 has found the net in nine consecutive games. "He is the top," added his manager. "In the year of the treble, he scored – how many? – countless times? I think he's integrated now, he's comfortable. He believes now that this is mine."

Donnarumma's Vital Intervention

On Donnarumma's decisive stop from Igor Thiago, he stated: "He starts to play at the highest level at seventeen. After I learned he's 26 it's like he's had decades playing football. His calmness, his presence. With clubs who play good you face one piece of action and he did it today. One against one."

Guardiola's Milestone Accomplishment

Guardiola reached the individual milestone of two hundred and fifty Premier League victories, surpassing Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in reaching that number in a record three hundred and forty-nine games. "I will invite them to a nice meal, maybe elsewhere, somewhere sunnier," he said of those iconic managers. "Alternatively in the city. It's an honour and a pleasure to be part of the league's history. I offer thank you to the club and the squad and the backroom team I had. We did it quicker and sooner. Next we aim for another 250 matches."

The Midfielder's Fitness Setback

On the player's muscle problem, the most recent problem after a serious knee issue previously, Guardiola said: "I would love to have him frequently but following a year it happens constantly, it is so demanding. This is why we tried to be gentle, play for an hour or so but it cannot happen more."

Brentford's Reaction

Keith Andrews, expressed satisfaction that his side improved after City's opening period dominance to pose a danger until the final whistle. "Our aim to do is unite a team together, a club united, after so many transitions," he said. "In my opinion it's growing. I think you could observe that in the later stages showing today against elite opposition."