There was never any doubt that Erling Haaland would respond to his performance against Chelsea in last night’s game with Brentford. Manchester City needed someone to settle a tight and tense affair against Thomas Frank’s side. When the moment came it was Erling Haaland who was there when his team needed him the most. His goal sealed a vital 1-nil win for his team and gave them a precious three points.
Haaland’s goal decided a tough encounter for Pep Guardiola’s side. To their credit, Brentford made it a tough night for the world champions. Try as they might for 70 minutes Manchester City just couldn’t find a way through Brentford’s stubborn rearguard. A combination of tough defending from the visitors and some poor finishing combined to frustrate Pep Guardiola’s side.
But it all changed in the 71st minute. A quick break from the world champions saw Julian Alvarez play Erling Haaland through on goal. City’s number then calmly fired past Mark Flekken to give City a precious lead. It was a typical Erling Haaland finish and it came when City needed their star striker the most.
The pace 🔥
The finish 🥶@ErlingHaaland‘s match-winner 👇 pic.twitter.com/psAn69gBhO— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 21, 2024
Erling Haaland’s goal would seal a precious three points for the champions. While the performance wasn’t one of City’s finest the result was more important than the display from Pep Guardiola’s side. City needed a math-winner and it was Erling Haaland who settled the contest.
Speaking post-game Pep Guardiola was thrilled for his star striker. He also had a message for anyone who doubted City’s number 9. Guardiola said: “No, definitely. If I had to choose one [striker for that moment] I prefer to choose this one. When I was young, I was told about top strikers, don’t criticise them because he will shut your mouth, that’s for sure. Sooner or later always they are there.”
The City boss also explained that Haaland isn’t in optimal condition yet after his two-month absence due to a foot injury. Guardiola also explained that it had been a tough time for his star striker with the passing of his grandmother. But despite all of this Haaland seized a vital moment for Manchester City. Guardiola added: “He had an incredibly tough week last week, he lost his grandmother and it’s not easy for a human being. But he scored when he’s not in his best shape at the moment. He’s so tall, out for two months. We spoke about the moment but he didn’t say anything about the passing of his grandmother. We talked a little about how he feels and of course (it was tough) for his father. In these types of games, especially against Brentford, you need Erling.”
Manchester City needed someone to decide a tough game last night. When his team needed him the most it was Erling Haaland who stepped up to seal a vital three points for his team. It could end up being a pivotal moment in this season given the tight Premier League title race that appears to be looming.
