Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, displayed a light-hearted attitude following Erling Haaland’s two-goal performance in a 2-0 triumph over Everton. Guardiola jokingly expressed disappointment that Haaland didn’t score additional goals, as the striker’s double in the second half secured the victory at the Etihad and extended his impressive form this season.
Haaland, the Norwegian sensation, now boasts 14 goals across all competitions, with 11 coming in just eight Premier League matches, placing him comfortably ahead in the Golden Boot race. Despite Haaland’s exceptional performance, Guardiola used the post-match press conference to caution his team against relying solely on the prolific striker.
In a humorous tone with BBC Sport, Guardiola quipped, “Disappointed he did not score four or five,” emphasizing the need for other players, such as wingers and attacking midfielders, to contribute goals. The manager highlighted missed opportunities from Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Tijjani Reijnders, stressing the importance of self-demand in front of goal.
Looking back at the match, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of regaining momentum after the international break. He noted Everton’s defensive tactics and physicality, attributing City’s improved performance to disrupting the opposition’s rhythm as the game progressed.