Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola continues to be amazed by Erling Haaland
- Planet Sport writer
- 23 October 2022
Pep Guardiola was in awe of Erling Haaland after the impact his star striker had for Manchester City in their hard-fought win over Brighton.
The prolific Norwegian struck twice - including one from the penalty spot - as City bounced back from last week's loss at Liverpool with a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The striker's double took his tally since joining the club to a remarkable 22 from just 15 appearances.
With 17 of those goals having come in the Premier League he is already, after 11 games, just six behind last season's golden-boot winning total.
"My English language is not big enough," said City manager Guardiola when asked to comment on Haaland's performance.
"Erling has the quality. With big space he can do it but with small space he can do it. This is the reality, it is fantastic."
Despite Haaland's first-half brace, it still needed a stunning strike from Kevin De Bruyne to secure the win 15 minutes from time after Brighton rallied with a Leandro Trossard reply.
De Bruyne played an influential role throughout the game but Guardiola feels the Belgian playmaker has not been at his best lately.
"It can be better," the Spaniard said of De Bruyne's form. "He is not playing at his top level, not yet. He scored a fantastic goal but he is not playing at his best.
"He knows (this). I don't need to tell him. His dynamism is still not perfect but the goal was outstanding and thanks to him we did not suffer in the last 15 minutes."
Guardiola was pleased with how his side closed out the victory after a strong showing from the Seagulls in the second half.
After Riyad Mahrez spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to make it 3-0, Trossard responded with a fine goal of his own.
Guardiola said: "The turning point was when Riyad had the chance. Normally he doesn't miss them but it is football and it can happen.
"One minute later we conceded a goal. After that it was difficult, they were better but Kevin came up with a masterclass action and we won the game.
"The game was one of the toughest ones we could face. They propose the type of game we are not used to. Few teams are used to it."
