Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola known as Erling Haaland “unimaginable” because 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 snug 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 aspect 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 along with his aspect’s exhibiting within the first half.
Nonetheless, 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 taking part in 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 skills of his quantity 9, who now strikes degree with Didier Drogba on 44 Champions League targets.
On Haaland’s first objective, Guardiola stated: “It’s unbelievable. He’s so tall and so versatile. I prefer it, he has this sense of humour. He scored an identical one in opposition to Dortmund a couple of years in the past. I don’t know which one is tougher, you’ll should ask him.
“He’s unimaginable. On a regular basis he understands the selections, he’s so beneficiant with the staff.It’s an unimaginable pleasure to have him and Manchester Metropolis have this unimaginable 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 excited about it when Erling just isn’t accessible I’m going to play John as a striker,” joked Guardiola.
“I keep in mind Gerard Pique at Barcelona, they’ve an unimaginable sense of targets like a striker.
“The composure, the flexibility. John has already scored a couple of targets and I’m glad 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
Nonetheless, he remained adamant that any aspect 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 can 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’re going to do every thing for the staff.”
“Being the most effective participant final 12 months, that’s the usual I’ve set myself.” ✨
Phil Foden is seeking to transfer up one other gear after a superb 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 vital 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 bettering.
He stated: “It was superb for my confidence to attain early. I’m stepping into the correct path. After being the most effective participant final season, that’s the usual I’ve set myself and I need to get again there.
“I’m all the time placing strain on myself to get higher and push myself. The intention is to attempt to hit what I hit final 12 months. And for the staff we need to present that we’re nonetheless hungry for trophies.”
