Pep Guardiola has admitted fans will never see “the old Manchester City” this season after beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Wednesday.
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Haaland returns just in time
Erling Haaland made his return with City by scoring his 20th Premier League goal of the season on 12 minutes.
The superstar striker missed Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool due to injury.
Haaland also had a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside, while Tottenham nearly snatched a point when Pape Matar Sarr headed over the crossbar.
The Norway international voiced his frustration after his second goal was ruled out, as referee Jarred Gillett determined that he had touched the ball with his arm.
Still, the goal was enough for City to secure a win, lifting Guardiola’s side to fourth place.
“It’s because he [Gillett] made the decision on the pitch, that it was a free kick,” said Haaland.
“I don’t think it is, it’s clearly a big mistake, but we are humans, we make mistakes. It’s a great goal and I don’t think it’s handball but what can we do, we won, I’m happy.”
“Old Manchester City” won’t return this season
This season has been a challenging one for Guardiola and his team.
However, their first-half performance gave fans a glimpse of their old form in the match against Spurs.
Although Guardiola insisted that the “Old City” will not return this season, he promised his side will bounce back next season.
“Never will be this season, the old City. The old City was too good. But we’ll be back,” he said.
“We have a young, young team. The three up front is the future. Nico [González], when Rodri comes back, will be the future. And of course, [Abdukodir] Khusanov you are seeing it today. Josko [Gvardiol] is young so yeah, there are certain areas. But, listen, Bernardo [Silva], [Ilkay] Gündogan, Kevin [De Bruyne] the other ones — they are really important for us — but of course it is a question of time.”
We have seen this season, the young players and the new acquisitions maybe the club will do in summertime — in the next transfer window — have to lead this club for the next few years.”
