Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Erling Haaland after the Norwegian netted the lone goal of the game as City beat a resolute Crystal Palace yesterday at the Selhurst Park.
The Citizens looked to be headed for another disappointing result as they couldn’t break down Patrick Viera’s team, but after Michael Olise commiting a foul inside the box, City were reward a penalty which Haaland slotted home.
A very important goal it was as it meant the defending champions cut the point gap between themselves and table leaders Arsenal who play later today to two. After the game, Guardiola lauded Haaland who on his debut season is counting 28 Premier League goals.
“One of the best things of knowing him well together is he can miss one chance and he won’t get depressed, or he’s not sad. And he’s positive – next one. He knows he will have the chance and he’ll be there. That’s an incredible attribute as a football player and as an athlete.
“Normally, in football, basketball or tennis, when you’re thinking of the action just passed or finished, you cannot be a good athlete. This guy has another one, another one.”
City should’ve gotten a goal or two earlier in the game had they not been ineffective upfront. Haaland was one of those who missed glorious chances. It was a pressured game, but Guardiola says Haaland enjoys the pressure as it is a motivating factor.
“Of course he feels the pressure. It’s nice. You have to feel it. If you don’t feel the pressure, you will be in the bar drinking something.
“He missed a penalty in the first half because the chances of him missing that over the penalty is more difficult. He enjoys it. The way he celebrates the goals, his goals shows how happy he is here and how happy we are with him.
“The personality as a young lad, to take the ball, to put it there not softly and score was great.”
City now turn attention to the Champions League. The side will host Leipzig on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium in the return leg last sixteen of the Champions League looking to keep their hopes of winning a maiden UCl trophy alive.
The first leg ended one all in Germany.
