Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Guardiola explains how Haaland ambition made difference for Manchester City but denies he’s best striker he’s coached

Pep Guardiola during a Manchester City match

Pep Guardiola shouting from the touchline during Manchester City match

Pep Guardiola felt that Manchester City’s win over Brighton was one of the “toughest” games they have had recently, but thanked the ambition of brace scorer Erling Haaland.

Manchester City bounced back from their recent defeat to Liverpool by beating Brighton on Saturday. Erling Haaland put them ahead in the 22nd minute after an assist from goalkeeper Ederson, before doubling his tally with a penalty a couple of minutes before half time.

It was the 600th Premier League goal of Guardiola’s reign, which is testament to how strong the club have been since he took charge in 2016.

Leandro Trossard pulled one back for Brighton after the break, but Kevin De Bruyne made it 3-1 with a stunner from outside the box with a quarter of an hour remaining. It was the final goal of the afternoon, confirming the points for the reigning champions.

However, their head coach knew that they had to work for them because of Brighton’s strengths.

Guardiola told Match of the Day: “They decided to play a game man to man on the pitch and we were lucky to have the quality for the third goal.

“We struggled a bit, it’s one of the toughest games you could face at the moment but the three points after the defeat at Anfield.

“With the ball they have incredible quality and the two guys in the middle – they are a really good team.

“In those moments we have to be resilient and knew the game would be tough until the end. Kevin scored a goal that was magnificent but we would fight to the end to avoid the draw or defeat but sometimes it is important to understand the game we have to play.”

Manchester City boss Guardiola responds to big Haaland claim

There were plenty of positives for Guardiola to take, such as Haaland hitting the landmark of 20 goals for the club after just 14 appearances.

Pointing to his “incredible” statistics, Guardiola highlighted how the summer signing has helped his new club – although he said Lionel Messi remains the best striker he has worked with instead.

Guardiola added: “Obviously the numbers are incredible and there’s no doubt about his quality. He’s not the best [striker he’s worked with] but one of the best I’ve faced for sure.

“He is so ambitious and he helped us win the game.”

Thanks to their win, Manchester City are one point behind league leaders Arsenal, whose game in hand takes place on Sunday afternoon.

READ MOREChelsea, Man City ready to pounce at opportunity as Serie A star’s exit is now ‘inevitable’