Pep Guardiola Praises Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma as Exceptional After Triumph Over Brentford FC

The City boss was thankful that his team boasts the Norwegian striker netting goals and the Italian goalkeeper stopping them, following a win at Brentford that came at the cost of another fitness issue for Rodri.

Haaland's Impressive Form

"We possess an extraordinary forward and keeper," remarked Guardiola, with Haaland's early goal proving the winning factor. Haaland's current form are reaching the levels of the team's 2022-23 season, as the number nine has scored in nine straight games. "He is the top," commented his manager. "During the year of the three trophies, he notched – what? – 50 million times? In my view he's integrated now, he's settled. He believes now that this is mine."

The Keeper's Crucial Contribution

Regarding the goalkeeper's decisive stop from Igor Thiago, he said: "He began to perform at the top level at 17. When I learned he's 26 it's like he's had decades playing football. His composure, his aura. Against teams who play good you face a single chance and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."

The Manager's Landmark Accomplishment

Guardiola achieved the individual landmark of two hundred and fifty English top-flight victories, surpassing Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in reaching that number in a record three hundred and forty-nine games. "I will treat them to a good dinner, perhaps elsewhere, in a warmer place," he remarked of those legendary managers. "Or in the city. It is an honor and a pleasure to be part of Premier League history. I say thank you to the club and the squad and the backroom team I had. We did it quicker and faster. Now let's go for 250 games more."

Rodri's Injury Setback

On Rodri's hamstring issue, the most recent setback after a cruciate knee injury previously, Guardiola said: "I would love to have Rodri every three days but after one year it occurs all the time, it is very taxing. This is why we attempted to be cautious, use him for 60-65 minutes but it cannot happen more."

The Opponent's Reaction

Keith Andrews, was pleased that his side got better after the visitors' first-half dominance to pose a danger until the final signal. "Our aim to do is unite a squad together, a club together, after numerous changes," he said. "I think it's growing. I think you could see that in the second half performance today against top-level rivals."