During Manchester City’s 4-0 win against Slovan Bratislava, Erling Haaland seemed visibly frustrated at times.
Often, several City players tried to go for goal instead of supplying chances for the Norwegian.
However, Haaland was marked by several players inside the box on Tuesday night.
As a result, it was easier said than done for the Manchester City players to create chances for the 24-year-old.
In fairness, several players’ shots from outside the box tested the hosts’ goalkeeper.
For instance, Phil Foden not only scored a sensational goal but also struck the post during the game.
The likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Jeremy Doku’s efforts also rattled the crossbar.
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Guardiola reveals true Haaland feelings after being taken off
Eventually, Haaland opened his account in the Champions League this campaign with a well-timed run in behind before rounding the goalkeeper to extend City’s lead in the 58th minute.
Just two minutes later, the two-time Premier League winner was taken off for James McAtee.
Pep Guardiola and Haaland were spotted having a conversation after he was substituted.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker would have been hopeful of adding to his goal tally after finally getting on the scoresheet.
However, Guardiola seemed like he was determined to preserve his fitness.
Pep Guardiola was quizzed about whether Haaland was disappointed after he was substituted on Tuesday night.
The £378,846-a-week manager joked via HaytersTV: “Erling [Haaland] is never disappointed with his manager. Never ever”
Guardiola clarified: “As a manager, I am more secure and more happy when Erling is on the pitch. So, I will keep him on the pitch all the time. But with the 0-3 [scoreline at the time], it was almost over, the game and with this amount of games that we have, you have to take care of him.”
“He had a big knock last game against Newcastle, so after 0-3, a fantastic goal, the pass from Rico [Lewis] and after that, it’s better [to take him off].”
Wise from Pep Guardiola to substitute Erling Haaland
As Pep Guardiola stated, after Haaland scored to make it 3-0 to Manchester City, the game was all but over.
Considering the two-time Premier League winner had suffered a knock against Newcastle United, it would have been a risk to let him continue playing and pick up a potential injury.
Manchester City are already missing key players such as Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake to injuries and the addition of Haaland to that list would have been catastrophic for the club.
As a result, it was wise from Guardiola to take the in-form goalscorer off.
The City number nine now has the chance to rest and recover ahead of his side’s clash against Fulham.
Haaland will be satisfied that he is back amongst the goals after failing to score against Newcastle.
