Pep Guardiola mentioned Erling Haaland had “shut the mouths” of his critics after scoring the one aim of a nervy 1-0 win for Manchester City over Brentford on Tuesday.
Just two factors separate the highest three in a captivating Premier League title race as City moved to inside a degree of leaders Liverpool, with third-positioned Arsenal one level additional again with 13 video games to go.
Haaland was eager to make amends for a irritating night time in entrance of aim as City had been held 1-1 at residence by Chelsea on Saturday.
The Norwegian has solely not too long ago returned from a two-month harm layoff and Guardiola mentioned he was additionally dealing with the lack of his grandmother off the sphere.
But Haaland was extra like his previous self in entrance of aim when he raced onto Julian Alvarez’s go to fit in his twenty second aim of the season 19 minutes from time.
“Top strikers score a lot of goals. Don’t criticise, he will shut your mouth. Sooner or later he is there,” mentioned Guardiola.
“He was out for two months, he lost his grandmother, it is not easy for a human being.
“We spoke about the moment (missing chances against Chelsea), and I realised this later, but he didn’t say anything about the passing away of his grandmother.”
Kevin De Bruyne was left on the bench for the complete match as Guardiola revealed he has “niggles” in his hamstring.
The Belgian missed the primary 5 months of the season as a result of a hamstring tear.
De Bruyne’s ingenuity was missed as City struggled to make their domination depend regardless of having fun with practically 70 % possession and having 25 pictures on aim.
The Bees had been the final visiting aspect to win on the Etihad 14 months in the past and had their possibilities to spring one other big shock.
Frank Onyeka didn’t beat Ederson when one-on-one halfway by means of the primary half earlier than Ivan Toney despatched a dipping free-kick inches over the bar.
The overwhelming majority of goalmouth motion got here on the different finish.
Oscar Bobb got here closest to opening the scoring within the first half, on a uncommon begin for the Norwegian teen, when his effort was cleared off the road by Ben Mee.
Bernardo Silva additionally headed a wonderful probability extensive as Thomas Frank’s males held out till the break.
Liverpool, Arsenal hopes dashed
Liverpool and Arsenal’s hopes of a second unlikely reward from City within the title race in 4 days would have been raised by a quiet begin to the second interval.
However, City stay properly within the hunt to turn into the primary aspect ever to win 4 consecutive English high-flight titles for a cause.
One slip by Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer offered the second Haaland had been ready for as he galloped clear on aim and stored his composure to attain for simply the third time in his final eight video games.
“I’m incredibly proud. We didn’t give much away until the goal – which is a slip,” mentioned Brentford boss Frank.
“I think they’re good enough. They don’t need that luck to get over the line!”
City ought to have prolonged their benefit, particularly as aim distinction may but show decisive within the title race.
Phil Foden scored a hat-trick when the edges met earlier this month in City’s 3-1 win in west London.
But the England worldwide was denied twice late on by Flekken as the goalkeeper tipped over a blistering shot after which stood up properly to dam as Foden tried to go round him.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
