Pep Guardiola stated 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 an enchanting Premier League title race as City moved to inside a degree of leaders Liverpool, with third-placed 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 lately returned from a two-month harm layoff and Guardiola stated 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 move 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,” stated Guardiola.
“He was out for two months, he lost his grandmother, it is not easy for a human being.
“We spoke concerning the second (lacking probabilities in opposition to Chelsea), and I realised this later, however he did not say something concerning the passing away of his grandmother.”
Kevin De Bruyne was left on the bench for the entire match as Guardiola revealed he has “niggles” in his hamstring.
The Belgian missed the first five months of the season due to a hamstring tear.
De Bruyne’s ingenuity was missed as City struggled to make their domination count despite enjoying nearly 70 percent possession and having 25 shots on goal.
The Bees were the last visiting side to win at the Etihad 14 months ago and had their chances to spring another huge surprise.
Frank Onyeka failed to beat Ederson when one-on-one midway through the first half before Ivan Toney sent a dipping free-kick inches over the bar.
The vast majority of goalmouth action came at the other end.
Oscar Bobb came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, on a rare start for the Norwegian youngster, when his effort was cleared off the line by Ben Mee.
Bernardo Silva also headed a glorious chance wide as Thomas Frank’s men held out until the break.
Liverpool, Arsenal hopes dashed
Liverpool and Arsenal’s hopes of a second unlikely gift from City in the title race in four days would have been raised by a quiet start to the second period.
However, City remain well in the hunt to become the first side ever to win four consecutive English top-flight titles for a reason.
One slip by Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer provided the moment Haaland had been waiting for as he galloped clear on goal and kept his composure to score for just the third time in his last eight games.
“I’m extremely proud. We did not give a lot away till the aim – which is a slip,” said Brentford boss Frank.
“I feel they’re adequate. They do not want that luck to recover from the road!”
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 because the goalkeeper tipped over a blistering shot after which stood up effectively to dam as Foden tried to go spherical him.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
