🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola expressed gratitude that his squad boasts Erling Haaland scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma preventing them, following a victory at Brentford's ground that came at the cost of another injury concern for the midfielder.

The Striker's Stunning Performance

"I have an amazing forward and keeper," remarked Guardiola, with the forward's early strike proving the decisive one. Haaland's current form are reaching the standards of City's 2022-23 season, as the No 9 has scored in 9 straight games. "He's the best," added his boss. "During the season of the treble, he notched – how many? – 50 million times? In my view he's part of the club now, he's settled. He feels now that this is mine."

The Keeper's Crucial Intervention

Regarding Donnarumma's decisive stop from the opponent, Guardiola stated: "He began to play at the top level at seventeen. When I learned he's twenty-six it's like he's had centuries of football. His calmness, his aura. Against teams who play good you face a single chance and he did it today. A one-on-one situation."

Guardiola's Landmark Accomplishment

Pep achieved the individual milestone of two hundred and fifty Premier League wins, overtaking Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in attaining that number in a record-breaking three hundred and forty-nine matches. "I will invite them to a nice meal, perhaps elsewhere, somewhere sunnier," he remarked of those iconic managers. "Or in the city. It is an honour and a pleasure to be part of Premier League history. I say thanks to the team and the squad and the staff I had. We achieved it faster and sooner. Next let's go for another 250 games more."

The Midfielder's Fitness Setback

On Rodri's hamstring issue, the most recent setback after a serious knee issue previously, Guardiola said: "I'd prefer to have Rodri frequently but after one year it occurs all the time, it is very taxing. This is why we attempted to be gentle, use him for 60-65 minutes but it can't continue."

The Opponent's Reaction

Brentford's manager, was pleased that his side got better after City's opening period dominance to pose a danger until the final signal. "Our aim to do is bring a squad together, a organization together, after so many changes," he stated. "In my opinion it's developing. I think you could observe that in the later stages showing today against elite opposition."