Pep Guardiola spoke highly of Manchester City’s prolific forward Erling Haaland after the Norwegian striker scored two goals against Everton on Saturday, marking his return to the Premier League.
While he lauded Haaland, who has netted 11 goals in just eight Premier League appearances, Guardiola also pointed out the finishing struggles of other forwards amid playful comments about Haaland’s missed opportunity to score five goals against Everton.
This week, Haaland showcased his scoring prowess with a hat trick for Norway against Israel, before adding two more goals to his tally as he aims to become the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals.
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On Saturday, he scored with both his head and his left foot as Manchester City eventually found their rhythm, scoring two quick goals around the hour mark.
Guardiola reflected on the game with optimism as City prepares for two challenging away fixtures against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday and Aston Villa on Sunday, October 26.
Pep Guardiola’s Reaction to Erling Haaland’s Form and City’s Performance Against Everton
On the game: “After the international break, we struggled for the first 15-20 minutes, lacking energy and not being present for second balls. However, we created chances, and it was encouraging to see the players coming off the bench bringing energy. It’s better to improve while still winning.”
On breaking down Everton’s defense: “Everton is a solid team; just look at their position in the table. Players like Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, and Beto are strong with long balls, backed by Tarkowski’s experience. We knew they would be a challenge, and our play in the first half was not up to par.”
On Erling Haaland: “I’m actually quite disappointed he didn’t score four or five goals. We can’t rely solely on him; it’s crucial for our wingers and attacking midfielders to contribute goals as well if we want to achieve our objectives.”
“They need to elevate their game to start scoring. We need to create chances for Haaland, but the other players must also rise to the occasion. At this level, they must hold themselves accountable for their performance. Opportunities from Savio, Jeremy, and Tijjani should be converted as well for our success.”
“Haaland is always there for us; he thrives in this role, provides a lot, and significantly enhances our play. Our build-up and passing have improved, and he is instrumental to our current success.”
On Nico O’Reilly: “He’s young and gaining valuable experience, showcasing his physicality. He’s a tall player capable of maneuvering in tight spaces, as shown in the first goal where the pass was perfectly executed.”