MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland is in the best form of his Manchester City career and praised the forward's character after he scored twice against Brentford despite dealing with the death of a close personal friend in the build-up to the game.
Haaland decided to start against Brentford on Saturday following the death of family friend Ivar Eggja.
The 24-year-old scored both goals as City came from behind to win 2-1 and take his tally to nine goals in just four games to start the season.
“I would say that the best [form] “But only four games, not many games,” Guardiola said at a post-match press conference. “I didn't ask him if he was ready. If he wasn't, he would come to me. He's an incredible weapon. Of course, it's been difficult. We try to look after everyone here and if someone has problems, we stay close.
“You have to be strong. Maybe for 90 minutes you forget your personal life if life punches you in the face.”
Both of Haaland's goals at the Etihad came after Yoane Wissa had given Brentford the lead after just 22 seconds.
Thomas Frank's side could have scored again in the opening ten minutes before City finally took control through their Norwegian centre-forward.
Haaland almost grabbed his third consecutive Premier League hat-trick but was denied a third against Brentford when his shot hit the post in the second half.
“I give Brentford credit,” Guardiola said. “It's not easy to handle them. They deserved to win 2-0 or 3-0.”
“Every time they have the ball they create a chance. Long balls, duels, short passes, line breaks, quick passes, transitions… they are an extraordinary team. We have suffered since they came to the Premier League. Every game with Thomas has been like that.”
