Main man Haaland once again provides the sting

PEP Guardiola said on Tuesday that Rodri couldn't start three times in a week.

- By SIMON BAJKOWSKI

He can't have been surprised then, that starting him twice before the week was over completely backfired.

City's key midfielder lasted only 20 minutes against Brentford before his hamstring went, the Spaniard limping off miserably with Guardiola not even appearing to give him a glance as Nico Gonzalez was hastily shoved onto the pitch as a replacement.

One step forward, two steps back in an infuriating situation for everyone.

Fortunately for the Blues, that was their biggest frustration in another afternoon when Erling Haaland showed why he is the best in the world.

Before Rodri's injury, City's No.9 had already bagged his 12th of the season by outwitting and outpowering his defender to get onto a Josko Gvardiol ball and slam in the opening goal.