🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola was thankful that his squad boasts Erling Haaland scoring and the Italian goalkeeper preventing them, after a win at Brentford that came at the cost of another fitness issue for Rodri.

The Striker's Impressive Form

"I have an extraordinary striker and keeper," remarked the coach, with the forward's ninth-minute goal turning out to be the winning one. Haaland's recent performances are approaching the levels of City's treble-winning season, as the number nine has found the net in nine straight matches. "He's the top," commented his boss. "In the year of the three trophies, he notched – what? – countless goals In my view he's integrated now, he's settled. He feels now that this is his home."

Donnarumma's Crucial Contribution

On the goalkeeper's important stop from the opponent, Guardiola said: "He began to play at the top level at 17. When I learned he's 26 it's like he's had decades of football. His calmness, his aura. With clubs who are strong you face one piece of action and he succeeded today. One against one."

The Manager's Milestone Achievement

Pep reached the individual milestone of 250 Premier League wins, surpassing Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in attaining that total in a record three hundred and forty-nine games. "I will invite them to a good dinner, maybe not in Manchester, in a warmer place," he remarked of those legendary coaches. "Or in Manchester. It's an honor and a privilege to be part of the league's history. I say thanks to the team and the players and the backroom team I worked with. We did it quicker and sooner. Now we aim for another 250 games more."

The Midfielder's Injury Concern

Regarding Rodri's hamstring issue, the latest problem after a serious knee issue previously, the manager commented: "I'd prefer to have him frequently but after one year it occurs constantly, it is so demanding. This is why we attempted to be cautious, play for 60-65 minutes but it can't continue."

Brentford's Reaction

Brentford's manager, was pleased that his side improved after City's first-half control to pose a danger until the final whistle. "What we're trying to do is unite a team as one, a club united, after so many transitions," he said. "In my opinion it's growing. I think you could see that in the later stages showing today against elite rivals."