Manchester City's manager Applauds Erling Haaland and Donnarumma as Outstanding After Win Over Brentford FC
Pep Guardiola was thankful that his squad has Erling Haaland scoring and the Italian goalkeeper preventing them, following a win at Brentford that came with another fitness issue for the midfielder.
Haaland's Remarkable Form
"I have an incredible forward and goalkeeper," remarked the coach, with the forward's ninth-minute goal proving the winning factor. Haaland's current form are reaching the standards of City's treble-winning campaign, as the number nine has found the net in 9 straight matches. "He is the best," commented his manager. "During the year of the treble, he scored – what? – countless goals In my view he's integrated now, he's settled. He feels now that this is mine."
Donnarumma's Vital Intervention
Regarding Donnarumma's important stop from Igor Thiago, Guardiola stated: "This guy began to perform at the highest level at 17. After I learned he's 26 it's like he's had centuries of football. His composure, his presence. Against teams who play good you get a single chance and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."
Guardiola's Milestone Achievement
Pep achieved the personal milestone of 250 Premier League victories, overtaking Ferguson and Wenger in reaching that total in a record-breaking 349 matches. "I'll treat them to a good dinner, perhaps elsewhere, in a warmer place," he said of those iconic managers. "Or in the city. It is an honour and a privilege to be part of Premier League history. I say thank you to the club and the squad and the backroom team I worked with. We did it faster and faster. Now we aim for 250 games more."
The Midfielder's Fitness Setback
Regarding the player's hamstring issue, the latest problem after a serious knee issue last season, Guardiola said: "I'd prefer to have him every three days but following a year it happens constantly, it is so demanding. That is why we tried to be cautious, play for 60-65 minutes but it cannot happen more."
The Opponent's Reaction
Keith Andrews, expressed satisfaction that his team improved after City's opening period dominance to threaten until the final signal. "Our aim to do is unite a team as one, a organization together, after numerous changes," he stated. "I think it's growing. I believe you could see that in the second half performance today against top-level rivals."