Haaland's bundle of joy gives Guardiola timely lift

It was not without the kind of faults that have become the norm of late, but Pep Guardiola finally rebooted his winning Manchester City machine in his 500th match in charge.

- Ben Fisher

A relieved Guardiola blew kisses to the travelling supporters at the final whistle, and conducted their choruses, but there were several indicators that the contraption he has crafted is damaged goods, not quite what it once was. With 70 minutes on the clock and City a goal in front courtesy of Savinho's first-half strike, Stefan Ortega was booked for time-wasting, and the reality is they made hard work of beating the third-worst team in the division.

“Champions again, olé olé,” came the chant from the away end, but time will tell. It feels fanciful at this stage. City are fifth, four points off fourth-placed Chelsea, who visit Ipswich today, and 14 behind leaders Liverpool. At the same time, perhaps the end of a dire run will prevent a dreadful season?

Erling Haaland sealed victory, heading in to cap a slick move, kickstarted by the substitute James McAtee. City flicked through gears they have struggled to find in recent weeks, shifting the ball from right to left, and Haaland, played onside by Conor Coady, powered in unmarked after meeting Savinho's cross.