The Norwegian striker scored twice against the Cherries, confirming his excellent start to the Premier League season. But the 25-year-old joked that some would not be happy to see him come off the pitch when he was on course to score a hat-trick on Sunday.
Manchester City back in Premier League title race
At the start of the season, defending champion Liverpool were favorites to retain their title. But after ten days, the Reds are already seven points behind Arsenal, leader of the championship, and one point behind City. Guardiola’s team owes much to the exceptional performances of Haaland, who scored twice against Bournemouth at the Etihad, taking his tally to 17 goals in all competitions. If the former Borussia Dortmund player can maintain this excellent form, City could well be a formidable team this season.
Haaland teases Guardiola
As well as expressing relief at bagging all three points against Bournemouth, a week after the defeat at Aston Villa, Haaland joked that some football fans would have wished for a better performance from him in terms of Fantasy Football points.
He told Sky Sports: “ Important victory. It’s good to get back on track after a bad away defeat. It was nice. I tried to contribute to the team by doing my job. It’s good to win. Now two more important matches are coming up, so we have to stay focused. I didn’t score in the last match. I try to help the team win. That’s my goal and even if I don’t score or participate in duels, it’s not the most important thing. I want to help the team progress, that’s my job. »
Asked about his exit when he was on course to score a hat-trick, he replied: “There were probably a few Fantasy Football managers who weren’t very happy! »
Guardiola praises Haaland again
City manager Guardiola was pleased with his side’s performance on the pitch against Bournemouth, and particularly praised Haaland.
He said: “ We played very well. It required excellent coordination in pressing and defense. They played very well and, of course, Erling was decisive again.
“We knew it, we saw it last season in the Premier League, they (Bournemouth) outclassed us. This match was close, as always against them. They are so intense and aggressive. It’s their second defeat, we lost more than them, which shows what a very good team they are. Important week. We start now with the Champions League and we have an incredible opportunity to qualify. »
Additionally, he told BBC Radio 5 Live: “ We have to give them chances and passes. This is what we must do. He (Haaland) knows it, but we are lucky to have above all a wonderful person, because he is exceptionally kind and gentle. And he will still progress. “And after that, as a player, the stats are just outstanding.
