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The City boss was thankful that his team boasts Erling Haaland scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma stopping them, after a win at Brentford's ground that came at the cost of another injury concern for Rodri.

The Striker's Remarkable Form

"We possess an extraordinary forward and goalkeeper," remarked Guardiola, with the forward's ninth-minute strike proving the winning one. Haaland's current form are reaching the standards of the team's 2022-23 campaign, as the No 9 has scored in nine straight games. "He is the top," commented his boss. "In the year of the treble, he notched – how many? – countless goals In my view he's integrated now, he's comfortable. He believes now that this is mine."

Donnarumma's Key Contribution

On the goalkeeper's decisive save from Igor Thiago, he said: "This guy starts to perform at the top level at 17. After I learned he's 26 it's like he's had decades playing football. His composure, his presence. With clubs who play good you get a single chance and he did it today. One against one."

The Manager's Landmark Accomplishment

Guardiola achieved the individual landmark of 250 English top-flight victories, surpassing Ferguson and Wenger in attaining that number in a record 349 matches. "I'll treat them to a nice meal, maybe elsewhere, somewhere sunnier," he remarked of those legendary managers. "Alternatively in Manchester. It is an honor and a privilege to be in Premier League history. I offer thank you to the team and the players and the backroom team I had. We achieved it quicker and sooner. Now we aim for another 250 games more."

The Midfielder's Fitness Concern

Regarding the player's muscle problem, the most recent setback after a cruciate knee injury last season, the manager commented: "I would love to have Rodri every three days but following a year it happens all the time, it is very taxing. This is why we tried to be cautious, play for an hour or so but it cannot happen more."

The Opponent's Response

Keith Andrews, expressed satisfaction that his side got better after City's opening period dominance to pose a danger until the full-time whistle. "Our aim to do is unite a squad as one, a club united, after so many transitions," he said. "In my opinion it's developing. I believe you could see that in the later stages performance today against elite opposition."