🔗 Share this article

The City boss expressed gratitude that his team boasts the Norwegian striker scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma stopping them, after a victory at Brentford's ground that came at the cost of another injury concern for Rodri.

Haaland's Impressive Form

"I have an extraordinary forward and keeper," stated Guardiola, with the forward's early goal proving the winning one. His recent performances are approaching the standards of the team's 2022-23 season, as the No 9 has found the net in 9 straight matches. "He is the top," commented his manager. "In the season of the three trophies, he scored – how many? – 50 million goals In my view he's integrated now, he's comfortable. He feels now that it's his home."

Donnarumma's Key Contribution

On the goalkeeper's important save from Igor Thiago, Guardiola said: "He began to play at the top level at 17. When I learned he's 26 it's like he's had centuries playing football. His calmness, his aura. Against teams who play good you face a single chance and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."

The Manager's Milestone Achievement

Guardiola reached the individual milestone of two hundred and fifty English top-flight victories, surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in reaching that number in a record-breaking three hundred and forty-nine games. "I will treat them to a good dinner, perhaps not in Manchester, somewhere sunnier," he remarked of those iconic managers. "Alternatively in Manchester. It is an honour and a pleasure to be in the league's history. I say thanks to the club and the squad and the staff I worked with. We achieved it faster and sooner. Now we aim for another 250 matches."

The Midfielder's Fitness Setback

Regarding the player's muscle problem, the most recent setback after a cruciate knee injury previously, Guardiola commented: "I would love to have him every three days but after one year it occurs constantly, it is so demanding. This is why we tried to be cautious, use him for an hour or so but it cannot happen more."

Brentford's Reaction

Brentford's manager, was pleased that his side improved after the visitors' opening period control to pose a danger until the full-time signal. "Our aim to do is unite a team together, a organization together, after so many changes," he said. "In my opinion it's growing. I think you could observe that in the later stages showing today against elite opposition."