Pep Guardiola has admitted that Erling Haaland isn’t in his ‘best shape’ just yet.
Manchester City returned to winning ways with a massive three points against Brentford on Tuesday night.
It looked as though City were heading for another frustrating evening and a second consecutive draw as a combative Bees managed to keep them at bay.
However, the Blues’ dominance eventually paid off when Haaland struck in the 71st minute to secure the win.
Haaland capitalised on a slip from fellow Norwegian Kristoffer Ajer to race through on goal and tuck the ball away.
The win takes City back up to second place and within a point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland’s fitness
Despite his match-winning strike, Guardiola admitted after the match that Haaland still isn’t at 100 per cent following his injury layoff.
“Haaland’s not in his best shape but it’s normal after two months [out],” he said in his post-match press conference.
Imagine how good Erling Haaland can get then
Haaland missed about two months and 12 games’ worth of action with a stress reaction in his foot and is continuing to feel his way back to full fitness.
As long as there isn’t any risk of a relapse to his injury, he should definitely still be starting though thanks to the difference he can make in crucial moments. Just like against Brentford.
It’s also scary to think how much better he’s going to get given how well he is playing already.
The 23-year-old has been back for six games and already has three goals and an assist. That’s a fine record for anyone else but is nothing for a striker of his quality.
Yet, his strike against Brentford was his 22nd of the season and means he has now scored against every Premier League side he has faced.
When he’s feeling back to his best, the goals are going to be flying in.
