Erling Haaland receives rare non-goalscoring praise from Pep Guardiola after Crystal Palace performance | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola opted to turn the praise for Erling Haaland away from the Norwegian’s ever-ruthless goalscoring form.

City’s victory at Selhurst Park ensured they kept pace at the top end of the Premier League table following Arsenal’s narrow victory over Wolves on Saturday evening, but the contest itself was far from straightforward.

Crystal Palace started with intent and ambition, forcing Pep Guardiola’s side to weather early pressure and remain disciplined without dominating possession as comfortably as they often do.

The Eagles threatened to disrupt City’s rhythm in the opening exchanges, creating space in behind and testing the visitors’ defence. Those missed opportunities ultimately proved costly, however, as City grew began asserting greater control in the latter stages of the first half.

As the match wore on, City’s ability to manage the game became increasingly important. The second half, in particular, saw Guardiola’s side focus on structure, ball retention, and game management – areas that drew specific praise after the final whistle.

Speaking with Sky Sports after victory at Selhurst Park, Pep Guardiola was once again quizzed on the excellence of Erling Haaland and the ruthless nature of the Norwegian in front of goal in South London.

“Listen, Erling [Haaland] is there to score goals. But in the second-half, he kept the ball,” Guardiola pointed out with delight.

The Manchester City manager continued, “Always we talk about that; if he’s able to contain situations, 50/50, and not sometimes giving with one touch, using the body, maybe one, two, three touches, and helping us to be together, and after that always he helps us!

“In the second-half, Erling was outstanding.”

Haaland’s attacking partner Rayan Cherki was also lined up for special praise from his manager, as Guardiola said of the Frenchman, “In the final third, he has a special vision.

“He keeps the ball. And he’s settled good since he arrived.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments underline the continued evolution of Erling Haaland’s role within Manchester City’s attacking structure, particularly in matches where control and patience are required as much as clinical finishing.

With Rayan Cherki also growing in influence between the lines, City appear increasingly well-equipped to manage difficult away fixtures through collective intelligence rather than sheer dominance alone.

As the season progresses and the margins at the top of the Premier League narrow, performances such as this – where discipline, ball retention, and decision-making come to the fore – could prove just as decisive as goals themselves.