Pep Guardiola hits back at Erling Haaland critics following unwanted record

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a response to critics of Erling Haaland after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

City, who stuttered to a second successive draw against Chelsea, lost ground in the race for the Premier League title on Saturday evening, failing to respond to victories for both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Rodri cancelled out Raheem Sterling’s first-half goal in the 83rd minute, as the Manchester City midfielder rescued a point for the Sky Blues with his seventh goal of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side created 31 chances and registered 71% of possession against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, however were unable to score more than one goal, with only five attempts being on target.

Erling Haaland failed to convert any of his nine shots on goal, and unwanted record for the 23-year-old, who also accumulated a 1.71 xG – his highest total without scoring in a game for Manchester City.

The Norwegian has scored just twice in his last seven appearances for City, scoring 21 goals in 27 showings so far this season.

Haaland has missed 21 big chances in the Premier League this season, though has been directly involved in 21 of the Blues’ 57 league goals.

Despite missing a series of opportunities against Chelsea on Saturday, Guardiola refused to criticise the performance of the striker.

“I played for 11 years and scored 11 goals. One goal a season. I’m not a proper man to give advice to strikers,” said Guardiola.

“We created the chances and next time he’s going to score. I don’t blame him.”

Haaland and Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s draw in midweek, when Brentford visit the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League.

The Blues can move above Arsenal and to within one point of Liverpool with a win over Thomas Frank’s side on Tuesday evening.