Pep Guardiola takes a swipe at Erling Haaland’s critics after the striker nets Man City’s winner against Brentford – but admits he is ‘not in the best shape’ after returning from injury

Pep Guardiola hit back at Erling Haaland’s critics after the Manchester City striker took his side to within a point of the Premier League summit on Tuesday night, with victory over Brentford.

‘Top strikers score a lot of goals. Don’t criticise, because he will shut your mouth,’ said Guardiola. 

‘Sooner or later, he is there. He was out for two months. He’s had an incredibly tough week, losing his grandmother. 

‘It’s not easy for a human being and he’s not in his best shape. In these types of games like Brentford, you need Erling,’ the City manager added.

It was Haaland’s 22nd goal of the season and his 71st minute strike past Mark Flekken after pouncing on a slip by Kristoffer Ajer means that he has now scored against every of the 21 Premier League opponents he has faced.

Pep Guardiola hit back at Haaland’s critics after he missed several chances against Chelsea

And Guardiola admitted how relieved he was to get the win against a resolute Brentford side. 

‘Games like Brentford are really difficult for us, because you can break maybe in transitions like Liverpool did but there are not many spaces. Last season, we lost six points against them,’ said Guardiola, who also revealed that he didn’t risk Kevin De Bruyne because he had ‘niggles in his hamstring.

Despite defeat, Thomas Frank’s side remain the last team to win at the Etihad, back in November 2022 with City stretching their unbeaten home run in all competitions to 35 games. And Frank remained upbeat, though a fourth defeat in five games leaves Brentford just five points clear of the drop.

‘Throughout the game, we were brilliant. I’m very proud and pleased with the performance. They believed and it gives me a lot of belief going forwards. The way we defended the whole game was magnificent in terms of structure, defensive principles, urgency,’ said Frank. 

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Manchester City moved a point behind league leaders Liverpool with the 1-0 win at the Etihad

‘Before the goal, we limited City to two big chances. If you can limit City to two big chances, you have done a very good job. And we were unlucky. 

‘If Kristoffer (Ajer) doesn’t slip, I’m convinced it would not be as goal. Haaland is quick but Kristoffer is as quick,’ Frank added.