Guardiola Defends Haaland Amid Criticism, Following Man City's Critical Win Over Brentford

Erling Haaland's 71st-minute winning goal in Manchester City's match against Brentford pushed the team into second place on the Premier League table, just one point behind the leaders, Liverpool. Haaland's performance came after intensive criticism in light of missed opportunities in the previous match against Chelsea, just days after his grandmother's passing.

City Manager Pep Guardiola sprang to Haaland's defense post-match. He warned critics that the high-scoring forward will prove them wrong, stressing that he always backs Haaland to find the net. Guardiola noted that Haaland had faced challenges in recent weeks, including an injury that had sidelined him for two months.

Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne, the Belgian playmaker, missed this match due to a slight hamstring problem. Guardiola did not want to risk further complications as De Bruyne had just returned following a five-month-long hiatus.

With his winning goal against Brentford, Haaland made history by scoring against all 21 teams he has faced in the Premier League. The feat puts him in the same bracket as Harry Kane, who holds the record for scoring against every opponent faced. The vital goal reassured fans who were growing apprehensive about another lackluster performance. Haaland's goal also secured his lead in the Golden Boot race with 17 season goals, and an impressive record of 53 goals in 55 Premier League appearances. Despite recent suggestions of a blip in form, the Norwegian striker firmly put any doubts to rest.