Erling Haaland goal ‘not normal for a human being’ – Pep Guardiola

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola feels Erling Haaland’s goal was not normal for a human being after City’s thumping 5-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League. The Norwegian connected Savinho’s cross in the air and found the back of the net with a back-heel volley.

The lanky striker also found the back of the net in the 68th minute as the Cityzens registered a convincing win. The forward has scored 44 goals in 42 Champions League games and ended his goal-scoring drought of three matches.

“I didn’t know how he scored,” said Guardiola. “For a human being, I would say no [it’s not normal]. He made a fantastic goal.

“He can touch 15 or 20 balls but have seven or eight chances. It’s unbelievable.

“He made an incredible goal, similar to [Borussia] Dortmund a few years ago. I don’t know which one is more difficult but I would say both.”

Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes, who scored Sky Blues’ fifty goal of the night from a spot kick was also surprised with Haaland’s magic.

“What an amazing goal. I was speechless after that,” Nunes told TNT Sports. “When he scored a similar goal against Dortmund I was watching on TV, so to see this live, it was amazing.”

On the other hand, Sparta Prague coach Lars Friis showered praise on Haaland for his incredible ability to score. 

“What can you say, he’s maybe the best striker in the world,” said Friis.

“He’s world class. We felt we had good hands on him but then he pops up with a goal like this.

“They are the best team in the world with the best players in the world.”

Guardiola is delighted with the way his team has been playing in the last few weeks.

“We played really good again,” said Guardiola.

“I’m enjoying a lot the way we’re playing lately. We concede few, few chances.

“We create a lot and we had to be so patient. We have five games left and the target is to finish in the top eight. It’s a good advantage not to play in February.”

City will next take on Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.