Manchester City's manager Hails Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma as Outstanding After Victory Over Brentford FC
Pep Guardiola was thankful that his team boasts Erling Haaland scoring and the Italian goalkeeper preventing them, following a victory at Brentford's ground that came with another injury concern for the midfielder.
The Striker's Impressive Performance
"I have an extraordinary forward and goalkeeper," remarked the coach, with Haaland's early goal proving the winning factor. Haaland's recent performances are approaching the standards of City's treble-winning season, as the number nine has found the net in 9 consecutive games. "He is the top," added his manager. "During the year of the three trophies, he notched – what? – 50 million times? I think he's part of the club now, he's settled. He feels now that this is mine."
The Keeper's Crucial Contribution
Regarding Donnarumma's decisive save from the opponent, Guardiola said: "He starts to perform at the highest level at 17. When they told me he's 26 it's like he's had centuries playing football. His composure, his presence. Against teams who are strong you face one piece of action and he did it today. One against one."
The Manager's Landmark Achievement
Pep reached the personal landmark of 250 English top-flight wins, surpassing Ferguson and Wenger in attaining that total in a record-breaking 349 matches. "I'll treat them to a nice meal, perhaps not in Manchester, in a warmer place," he said of those legendary managers. "Or in Manchester. It's an honour and a pleasure to be in Premier League history. I say thanks to the club and the squad and the backroom team I had. We achieved it quicker and faster. Next let's go for another 250 games more."
Rodri's Injury Concern
On Rodri's muscle problem, the latest setback after a cruciate knee injury previously, Guardiola commented: "I'd prefer to have him frequently but following a year it happens all the time, it is so demanding. This is why we attempted to be cautious, play for an hour or so but it can't continue."
Brentford's Reaction
Keith Andrews, expressed satisfaction that his team got better after the visitors' first-half dominance to threaten until the full-time whistle. "What we're trying to do is unite a squad together, a organization united, after so many changes," he stated. "I think it's growing. I believe you could see that in the second half performance today against elite rivals."