Man City’s red-hot striker Erling Haaland earns praise from Pep Guardiola for his attitude

LONDON – Erling Haaland bagged another two excellent goals to take his English Premier League-leading tally to 13 for the season in Manchester City’s 3-1 home win over Bournemouth, a performance that left both his manager and his opponents in awe.

City boss Pep Guardiola was animated as he described Haaland’s first goal – a ruthless run from the halfway line that was finished with trademark precision – as his team moved six points behind leaders Arsenal (25 points) on Nov 2.

The Norwegian, who has 26 goals in 16 appearances for club and country this season, broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, heading the ball forward from just past the halfway line and then barrelling down on goal before coolly slotting past Djordje Petrovic.

“It’s the first goal, the way he kicked the ball down the grass. It’s like, ‘I’m going to score this’, it’s this determination,” said Guardiola, who hugged his prized striker when the two were walking off the pitch.

His brace against Bournemouth also saw him become the third player in Premier League history to score two or more goals in four successive home games after Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Robbie Fowler.

Asked if Haaland was in the same bracket as scoring greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Guardiola scoffed.

“Did you see the numbers of that guy? Oh my god, of course,” he said. “The difference in Cristiano, Messi has been for 15 years (more of playing than Haaland).” 

Guardiola, whose men face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Nov 5 before hosting Liverpool in an EPL clash four days later, praised the 25-year-old not just for his goals but also his attitude.

“I’m tough sometimes with him. I say to do this and that better, and always he tries to be open-minded. There are players who are like, ‘What are you talking about’, but he’s completely down on the earth,” Guardiola said.

“You know, without him, it would be tough, to be honest. We are so blessed and lucky to have an incredible person because he’s the sweetest and kindest. And he will improve. And after that, as a player, the numbers are just outstanding.”

Haaland told Sky Sports that he was eager to get back on the score sheet after his 12-match scoring run ended in a

1-0 loss to Aston Villa

on Oct 26.

“I try to help the team to win,” he said. “That is my goal and even by scoring or helping in winning duels, it doesn’t matter. I want to help the team become better, that is my job.”

After Haaland’s opener, Bournemouth hit back through Tyler Adams in the 25th minute.

City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could not get a clean punch on the ball and it dropped to Adams, who stabbed it in from close range. City screamed for a foul on Donnarumma, but after a video assistant referee check, the goal stood.

The visitors were not level for long as Haaland restored City’s lead eight minutes later, beating the Bournemouth defence before going around Petrovic to slot home with a left-footed shot from a tight angle.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola admitted Haaland’s presence changes everything for opponents.

“It’s very difficult (to play against him),” said Iraola, whose team’s defeat was their first in nine league games. “He’s amazing. When you press higher and concede space at the back, he is superfast.”

Nico O’Reilly struck from just inside the box to add a third for City in the 60th minute when he latched onto a pass from Phil Foden and threaded the ball through Marcos Senesi’s legs and into the net.

Haaland, who was taken off in the 82nd minute, laughed when asked about not completing his hat-trick.

“There were probably a few fantasy managers who were not so happy,” he said. REUTERS