Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola believes that goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland is not at his best, despite scoring two goals in their 3-1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night.
Haaland continued to be a goal threat with his two goals to help City move five points behind Premier League log leaders Arsenal.
The Citizens dominated the game from the first minute into the game, when striker Haaland ran between defenders and his dinking goal attempt was saved by goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
City eventually broke the deadlock at the stroke of halftime, when Spaniard Rodri scored on a rebound after a Riyad Mahrez shot was parred in his path by Meslier, who was ultimately beaten to go into the break a goal down.
Five minutes after half time, the Norwegian striker scored a simple tap in after being assisted by Jack Grealish and registered his second of the game in the 64th minute – taking his goal tally to 26 goals in 20 appearances for City in all competitions, to become the fastest player to score 20 Premier League goals.
The 22-year-old has now registered a total of 44 goals in 42 official matches in 2022.
Despite the two goals, Guardiola still believes that his top striker is not at his best and can do better to help his side improve and have a successful season.
“I think Haaland is still not at his best because of the injury, to move his huge body is not easy for him but as much as he can play, minutes will be better,” said Guardiola.
“I had the feeling he is not at his top. He can be sharper, so we can do better. It is a matter of time. [He is] always an incredible threat for the opponent. The numbers are unbelievable, but I have a feeling he is not just coming here for the numbers, he wants to win it. Still, there are 70 points to play for.”
City welcome Everton in another Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, and will look to reduce the Gunners lead at the top by two points on Saturday.
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