Erling Haaland was substituted at half-time during Manchester City’s 3-0 win against Fulham, leaving fans worried he had been injured ahead of a crucial period.
Pep Guardiola explains why he brought Erling Haaland on as a substitute (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Manager Josep Guardiola will wait to find out the extent of Erling Haaland’s “problem” after the Manchester City star was sent off at half-time against Fulham. Haaland, 25, scored to help City take a 3-0 lead on Wednesday. In other words, the match was almost over by the intermission and there was no dust left.
When the Norwegian returned to the dressing room, he told City staff that he felt “uncomfortable”. Manager Guardiola did not want to take any risks with Haaland, so he replaced Haaland in the second half with Omar Marmouche.
City witnessed a resounding victory and moved within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, who still have a game in hand. Guardiola’s team also won three games in a row after a difficult January.
Asked why he sacked Haaland, the City manager said: “Niggles, there were some problems. He didn’t feel comfortable. Of course it was 3-0.”
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“Why? There are so many games.[Marc]Cucurella is injured, right? In Chelsea’s case, he’s injured. You know why, right? I didn’t talk to the doctors.”
“I don’t know exactly what he has. I don’t know if he was just struggling or fatigue or something. He said he wasn’t comfortable, it was 3-0. Common sense.”
Guardiola was pleased with City’s performance as they increased their lead to 20 points from home games against Fulham. Coach Guardiola praised the team, saying, “It was a really great performance. One of the best performances of the season.” “After an important and emotional game like Anfield, the next game is always difficult.”
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Erling Haaland’s goal helped Manchester City beat Fulham 3-0 (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Fulham coach Marco Silva lamented his team’s performance, saying: “You usually know in this kind of game you have to be flexible. It was too easy for them to score. At 1-0 we had a big chance, but we probably could have equalized in another game. In a game like this you have to be at your best level and we weren’t able to do that. That’s why we lost the game.”
The focus for both teams now shifts to the FA Cup fourth round. City host Salford in League Two on Saturday, while Fulham face Stoke in the Championship on Sunday.
They will then return to Premier League action. City host Newcastle, while Fulham, who have lost four of their last five games, travel to Sunderland.
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