Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was named in WhoScored.com‘s Team of the Week after scoring a brace during the 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
The Norwegian international was given a rating of 8.64, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score 9 goals in his first four appearances.
There were doubts that Haaland would even play against Brentford following the death of a close family friend.
However, the forward was named in the starting lineup and he didn’t let off-the-pitch matters affect his performance as he masterminded the turnaround from 1-0 down.
Guardiola paid tribute to Haaland after the game
The City manager was quick to praise the forward for deciding to play at the weekend. It is a difficult time for Haaland and his family but Guardiola said:
“You have to be strong, maybe for 90 minutes forget your personal life if life gives you a punch in the face. Of course, we were in touch, asking how he felt, but I didn’t ask if he was ready. If he wasn’t ready he would have come to me and said.”
“For us, he’s an incredible weapon one versus one. When you isolate him with a central defender, with the quality we have you pass it. We have to exploit and use it. The best way for 93 minutes is just forget and play.”
Who else made it into WhoScored’s Team?
Ipswich Town goalkeeper Arijanet Muric was named in goal after making five saves during the 0-0 draw against Brighton.
In defence, Muric was joined by his teammate Dara O’Shea, with the Republic of Ireland lining up alongside Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt and Arsenal’s Gabriel.
The midfield is full of wingers, with Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes, Everton’s Dwight McNeil, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo selected with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi. Haaland is joined by Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins up front.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
