Erling Haaland praised a “fantastic team performance” that saw Manchester City overcome a “horrible” start to beat Chelsea 3-1 this evening.
Haaland played a big role with a goal and an assist in City's response after an early error from new signing Abdulkader Khosanov.
The Uzbek centre-back, signed from Lens this week for £33.8m, failed to deal with a long drive forward and, after allowing it to rebound, could only pass the ball into the path of Nicholas Jackson, who passed to Noni Madueke. Click on the home page.
Josco Gvardiol equalized at the end of the first half, before goals from Haaland and Phil Foden secured the victory that returned Pep Guardiola's men to fourth place in the table.
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“I think it was a great performance overall even though we started horribly,” Haaland told the BBC. “It was a great team performance and I’m really happy.”
“When we started like we did it was tough but we played really well and kept going. We kept pressing and the second half was on point. Ultimately that's what we have to do. We need to lock it in at the back and keep attacking.”
“It's too early to start with a -1 goal. It can happen but it's about keeping going. It's about that and trying to get peace of mind in your head. That's what matters.”
Haaland and Ederson combine to great effect
Haaland's goal came after a long kick forward from goalkeeper Ederson as the Norwegian striker held off a challenge from Trevo Chalupa before lifting the ball over Robert Sanchez.
“It's something we practice,” Haaland added. “We're trying to focus on giving space and then Ederson gave me a lot of assists already. It's about perfect timing because he's very precise.”
Khosanov's nightmarish performance was in stark contrast to that of Omar Marmoush, who looked lively in his first appearance since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Haaland said: “I saw him in the Bundesliga. It will be great to play with him. You can see he has something special. I'm looking forward to playing with him and it will be a really great time.”
Guardiola is happy with the important win
Guardiola was pleased with the way his players responded to the early setback that came just three days after squandering a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain – a result that means they have to beat Club Brugge on Wednesday evening. To keep their Champions League hopes alive.
“Not the best start,” he told Sky Sports. “It's lucky for us that they didn't punish us 2-0. After we recovered emotionally and put in a good performance.
“We had more possession than in recent games. It was really important.
He added to the BBC: “We have been struggling recently and it has been a very difficult season. Most of the players have been here for eight or nine years and I will not change my mind in two months. We have to realize that what we are doing is not enough.
“I asked them to step up and we did. We created enough chances to score goals and in the end I'm very happy with the win.
He added: “Of course we need new players with Omar and Khosanov, and now we have a Champions League final match on Wednesday.”
It's not easy for Khosanov – Pep
Guardiola is confident that Khosanov will learn from his mistake.
He added: “It is not easy for him.” “He trains once and then plays against Jackson, Cole (Palmer), Madueke and (Jadon) Sancho. It's a process when you buy a player this young. He will learn. This kind of attitude is the best lesson you can learn.”
