Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola referred to as Erling Haaland “unbelievable” after the striker bagged a brace in opposition to Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
Metropolis swept apart their Czech opponents 5-0 on the Etihad to set a brand new Champions League document of 26 video games unbeaten.
Haaland scored twice within the second half – together with a sensational, acrobatic effort – with Phil Foden, John Stones and Matheus Nunes additionally on the scoresheet to make sure a cushty night time for the 2023 winners.
The win strikes Metropolis forward of fierce rivals Manchester United, who went 25 Champions League video games with out defeat between 2007 and 2009.
Man Metropolis have damaged Man United’s document for longest unbeaten run in Champions League historical past (26) 📈 pic.twitter.com/u8sDPjArEQ
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Guardiola’s facet had been agency favourites going into the tie and shortly asserted their superiority by taking the lead inside three minutes courtesy of Foden’s skillful run and end.
From there it was one-way visitors however Guardiola appeared removed from happy together with his facet’s displaying within the first half.
Nevertheless, the hosts heed their boss’ warning and made their dominance pay after the break, grabbing 4 targets within the second interval to assert a convincing victory.
Guardiola informed TNT Sports activities: “We had been enjoying good and conceding nothing for 90 minutes. However I didn’t anticipate Sparta Prague to defend so deep due to the video games in opposition to Salzburg and Stuttgart they performed offensively.
“They defend so deep it’s troublesome however the second we broke the sport with 2-0 it was higher.”
The Metropolis boss was fast to reward the goalscoring abilities of his quantity 9, who now strikes stage with Didier Drogba on 44 Champions League targets.
On Haaland’s first purpose, Guardiola mentioned: “It’s unbelievable. He’s so tall and so versatile. I prefer it, he has this sense of humour. He scored an analogous one in opposition to Dortmund a couple of years in the past. I don’t know which one is harder, you’ll should ask him.
“He’s unbelievable. On a regular basis he understands the selections, he’s so beneficiant with the workforce.
It’s an unbelievable pleasure to have him and Manchester Metropolis have this unbelievable participant.”
Bernardo Silva was SHOOK seeing Haaland’s acrobatics 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NVKHVln4qO
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Guardiola additionally praised the contribution of Stones, who discovered the web in consecutive video games.
“I’m interested by it when Erling just isn’t obtainable I’m going to play John as a striker,” joked Guardiola.
“I bear in mind Gerard Pique at Barcelona, they’ve an unbelievable sense of targets like a striker.
“The composure, the power. John has already scored a couple of targets and I’m completely satisfied for him.”
Metropolis named simply 5 outfield gamers on the bench for the sport, and Guardiola admitted {that a} small squad, over time, could possibly be a difficulty
Nevertheless, he remained adamant that any facet he does choose will giver every thing for the shirt.
“It’s what it’s, we’re who we’re,” added Guardiola.
“To maintain with 14 or 15 gamers might be an issue. However it’s higher not to consider it. I do know the gamers, how they’re and hopefully the [missing] gamers can come again.
“We’ll play with 11 and I do know they’ll do every thing for the workforce.”
“Being the very best participant final 12 months, that’s the usual I’ve set myself.” ✨
Phil Foden is trying to transfer up one other gear after an excellent efficiency 🏆
🎙 @ReshminTV pic.twitter.com/G9dmyVOWqt
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Participant of the match Foden additionally spoke to TNT Sports activities after the sport: “It was essential to get the win tonight.
“We needed to stay affected person and within the second half we broke them down extra and completed our possibilities.”
The England midfielder admitted he has began slowly this season however insisted his performances are enhancing.
He mentioned: “It was superb for my confidence to attain early. I’m getting into the suitable course. After being the very best participant final season, that’s the usual I’ve set myself and I need to get again there.
“I’m all the time placing stress on myself to get higher and push myself. The intention is to attempt to hit what I hit final 12 months. And for the workforce we need to present that we’re nonetheless hungry for trophies.”
