Norwegian Striker’s Goal Secures Crucial Victory as City Close in on Title Rivals
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commended Erling Haaland for silencing his critics with a crucial goal in a tense 1-0 victory over Brentford on Tuesday, lifting his side closer to the top of the Premier League table.
With the win, City moved within a point of league leaders Liverpool, while third-placed Arsenal remained just one point further back with 13 games remaining in the season.
Haaland’s goal, his 22nd of the campaign, came 19 minutes from time as he capitalized on Julian Alvarez’s pass to erase any doubts about his scoring prowess. Guardiola praised the Norwegian striker’s resilience, highlighting his recent return from injury and personal loss.
“Top strikers score a lot of goals. Don’t criticise, he will shut your mouth. Sooner or later he is there,” Guardiola stated, acknowledging Haaland’s ability to perform under pressure.
Haaland, who had recently returned from a two-month injury layoff and was mourning the loss of his grandmother, demonstrated his clinical finishing against Brentford, securing a vital victory for City.
City faced a determined Brentford side, with Guardiola opting to keep Kevin De Bruyne on the bench due to a hamstring issue. Despite Brentford’s defensive resilience, Haaland’s decisive goal proved to be the difference.
Reflecting on the match, City defender Manuel Akanji praised Haaland’s efficiency and emphasized the team’s need to improve game by game.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank rued the misstep that led to Haaland’s goal, lamenting Kristoffer Ajer’s slip that allowed the Norwegian striker to capitalize on the opportunity.
Despite Brentford’s resilient defending, Haaland’s goal proved decisive, securing a vital three points for City in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
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