Erling Haaland Sends Pep Guardiola a Playful Warning After Being Subbed Off on Hat-Trick During Man City Win
After removing him during Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, Erling Haaland remarked that Pep Guardiola would have made a “few Fantasy Football managers unhappy.”
The Norwegian striker continued his stellar start to the Premier League season by scoring twice against the Cherries.
Although, the 25-year-old joked that some people won’t be happy that he was replaced on Sunday after scoring a hat-trick.
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Premier League winners Liverpool were the favourites to win the title again at the beginning of the season.
However, ten games into the season, the Reds are already one point behind City and seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
Haaland’s free-scoring prowess is crucial to Guardiola’s team; his brace against Bournemouth at the Etihad increased his total to 17 across all competitions.
City may be a formidable opponent this season if the former Borussia Dortmund player can maintain this stellar run of play.
Haaland joked that some football fans would have wanted more from him in terms of Fantasy Football points, in addition to expressing his relief at winning all three points against the Cherries a week after losing at Aston Villa.
“A significant victory,” he said to Sky Sports. Recovering from a poor away game is beneficial. It was pleasant. I made an effort to support the team by carrying out my duties.
Winning is a good thing. There are two more crucial games ahead, so be focused. Last game, I didn’t score. I try to contribute to the team’s victory.
That is my objective, and it makes no difference if I score or assist in winning duels. It is my responsibility to assist the team in improving.
“There were probably a few fantasy managers who were not so happy!” he said in response to being removed when on a hat-trick.
City Boss Was Happy With The Dude Performance
Guardiola was happy with his team’s overall performance against Bournemouth, but he reserved special recognition for Haaland.
“We played really well,” he remarked. When it came to pushing and defending, we had to be extremely coordinated.
They played incredibly well, and Erling was undoubtedly decisive once more. “We were aware of it; Bournemouth smashed it in the Premier League last season. It was tight here, and it is always tight with them.
They are quite combative and intense. They lost their second game today, and since we had lost more games than them, they are an extremely talented squad.
A crucial week. We have a fantastic chance to qualify as we begin with the Champions League.
Additionally, he stated on BBC Radio 5 Live: “To provide them with opportunities and passes. We must act in this manner.
Haaland is aware of that, but first of all, we are extremely fortunate to have an amazing individual because he is the sweetest and most compassionate. He will also get well. And as a player, the numbers are simply amazing after that.”
Guardiola’s City will play their Champions League match against Haaland’s old team, Dortmund, on Wednesday. A victory would put them in a great position to advance to the next round of the competition.
Before the international break arrives, City have one more big test. Liverpool travel to the Etihad on Sunday under Arne Slot.
It’s a mouthwatering clash and the last domestic match the team will play for a couple of weeks. The manager speaking after the European result stressed how crucial the next fortnight is, pointing out that two home fixtures give them a real chance to seal Champions League progression.
He called the upcoming home games “vital” and said the squad will use the short break to reflect on what went wrong and get ready for Liverpool.
In short: the next week is make-or-break. Win the two home ties and momentum is on their side; slip up and the pressure will grow over the international pause. Either way, Sunday’s showdown feels like a hinge match for their season.
