Pep Guardiola has warned the critics of Erling Haaland that "he will shut your mouth" after the striker scored a crucial goal in Manchester City's 1-0 home win over Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday.
The Citizens were initially left frustrated by a resilient, well-organised Bees outfit and a second successive draw at the Etihad Stadium seemed to be on the cards until Norwegian goal machine Haaland made the difference once again in the 71st minute.
After capitalising on a slip from Kristoffer Ajer, Haaland burst through on goal before stroking a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Mark Flekken to clinch three important points for the reigning champions.
The result has moved Man City back above Arsenal and into second place in the Premier League table, just a point behind leaders Liverpool who welcome Luton Town to Anfield on Wednesday.
Haaland, who equalled a Premier League scoring record set by Harry Kane in the win over Brentford, is leading the Golden Boot race with 17 top-flight goals in 20 games, two ahead of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, while he has found the net 22 times in 28 appearances across all competitions so far this term.
© Reuters
After the match, Guardiola was full of praise for Haaland and talked up the emphatic response of his No.9, who had to deal with the loss of his grandmother just a few days before missing nine attempts on goal in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend.
"No, definitely. If I had to choose one [striker for that moment] I prefer to choose this one," Guardiola told reporters as quoted by mancity.com.
"When I was young, I was told about top strikers, don't criticise them because he will shut your mouth, that's for sure.
"Sooner or later always they are there. He was out for two months [injured]. He had an incredibly tough week last week, he lost his grandmother and it's not easy for a human being.
"But he scored when he's not in his best shape at the moment. He's so tall, out for two months. We spoke about the moment but he didn't say anything about the passing of his grandmother.
© Reuters
"We talked a little about how he feels and of course [it was tough] for his father. In these types of games, especially against Brentford you need Erling.
"In these type of games like Brentford it's really difficult for us because you can break in transition like Liverpool did in the last game, but against us there is no spaces.
"Last season we lost six points against them, fortunately [this season] we can win them both."
Meanwhile, Oscar Bobb – who was handed his first Premier League start against Brentford – has labelled Norwegian compatriot Haaland as "the best in the world".
"He's only three years older than me but it's crazy to play with one of the greats," said the 20-year-old. "We were up against a very good team and we had some good chances that usually we would score. It was a tough opponent."
Man City have put together a 10-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and will endeavour to keep in touch with leaders Liverpool when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
