Man City get new Erling Haaland injury worry as Pep Guardiola explains early change | OneFootball

Striker was hooked at half-time against Fulham despite scoring

Pep Guardiola played down concerns surrounding Erling Haaland’s fitness after he was substituted at half-time of Manchester City’s 3-0 defeat of Fulham.

City secured a huge win as they dispatched the Cottagers, trimming Arsenal’s advantage in the title race to just three points.

Haaland joined Nico O’Reilly and Antoine Semenyo on the scoresheet in the first-half before Guardiola made the surprise decision to bring him off at, bringing on Omar Marmoush in his place.

Guardiola has now revealed that he swapped his strikers so as to manage Haaland’s minutes ahead of an intense run-in, citing ‘a niggles’.

He told TNT Sports: "[Haaland] had a niggle. Never doubt about the top scorers. The season is so long."

The Spaniard later added via City’s social media: “He didn’t feel comfortable. The reason why? [He has played] many games. I didn’t speak with the doctors, I don’t know exactly what he was. Fatigue.

“He said ‘I don’t feel comfortable’ and at 3-0, with a lot more games to come, with Omar [Marmoush], it was an easy decision.”

Haaland’s long-range strike in the first-half was his 22nd goal of the Premier League season.

He was also on target with a late winner against Liverpool last time out.

Guardiola said he was impressed with his side’s performance against the Cottagers after such a tense comeback win last time out.

He added: "It was not easy after incredible emotions when you play an emotional game like Liverpool.

"It was a really, really good performance. So happy with the guys.

"A lot of goals. He has a sense of the second balls in the box but not just that the pace and intensity - he is a top, top player. With him and Marc Guehi the club make incredible signings.

"The team in certain moments is growing, people are coming back. It is really, really important.”