Manchester City's manager Hails Haaland and Donnarumma as Exceptional After Win Over Brentford FC

Pep Guardiola expressed gratitude that his team boasts Erling Haaland scoring and the Italian goalkeeper stopping them, following a victory at Brentford's ground that came at the cost of another fitness issue for Rodri.

Haaland's Remarkable Form

"We possess an incredible forward and keeper," remarked Guardiola, with Haaland's early strike turning out to be the winning factor. Haaland's recent performances are reaching the levels of City's 2022-23 season, as the number nine has found the net in nine straight games. "He is the best," commented his manager. "In the season of the treble, he notched – how many? – countless times? I think he's integrated now, he's settled. He feels now that this is his home."

Donnarumma's Key Contribution

On the goalkeeper's decisive save from Igor Thiago, he stated: "He starts to perform at the highest level at seventeen. When they told me he's 26 it's like he's had centuries playing football. His composure, his presence. Against teams who play good you face a single chance and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."

Guardiola's Landmark Achievement

Pep reached the personal landmark of 250 English top-flight victories, overtaking Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in reaching that number in a record-breaking three hundred and forty-nine matches. "I'll invite them to a nice meal, perhaps not in Manchester, somewhere sunnier," he said of those iconic coaches. "Alternatively in Manchester. It is an honour and a privilege to be in the league's history. I say thanks to the club and the squad and the backroom team I worked with. We did it faster and sooner. Next let's go for 250 matches."

The Midfielder's Injury Setback

Regarding the player's hamstring issue, the most recent setback after a serious knee issue previously, the manager said: "I'd prefer to have Rodri every three days but following a year it occurs all the time, it is very taxing. This is why we tried to be cautious, use him for 60-65 minutes but it can't continue."

The Opponent's Response

Brentford's manager, was pleased that his team got better after City's opening period dominance to threaten until the full-time whistle. "Our aim to do is bring a team as one, a club together, after so many changes," he stated. "I think it's developing. I believe you could see that in the later stages showing today against top-level rivals."