Online Reporter
Pep Guardiola is no stranger to a suffocatingly intense post-match debrief and the Man City boss was locked in a passionate exchange with Erling Haaland after his side’s late win.
City rescued three points against Leeds at the Etihad with a late Phil Foden winner sparing their blushes after the hosts had squandered a two-goal lead.
It was a rare outing that Haaland failed to find the back of the net and the Norwegian striker was clearly annoyed at full-time.
He appeared to be involved in an amicable disagreement with his manager, who was grabbing him with both hands around the waist.
Footage showed Haaland covering his mouth and remonstrating with Guardiola, albeit with an exasperated smile on his face.
Guardiola kept pursuing his striker, who seemed to be trying to break away from the interaction.
The Spaniard was desperate to get his point across and hugged his player in the middle of the intense exchange that lasted around 30 seconds.
City won the game at the death through Foden’s stoppage time winner as the England star wriggled free on the edge of the box to fire home.
Haaland himself had one shot all game, 0.13 expected goals, no goal involvements and no big chances.
Perhaps the uncharacteristic display was the reason for his evident frustration at full time but his side did at least manage to get out of jail without him.
Afterwards, Foden said: ‘‘It’s up there as one of the wildest games. We had full control in the first half. They changed their system in the second half and we couldn’t get going.
‘‘It was a frustrating half. But when there was a short break the manager got us together and we adapted to their formation. We had a few half chances and finally I’ve found a bit of space and found the bottom of the net.
‘‘There are still things we can improve. We’re delighted with the result.
‘‘The title race is never straightforward. There’s always ups and downs and periods where you can’t seem to get going and we’ve had that.
‘‘The belief and togetherness came through at the end.
‘‘Hopefully that’s the case today that we can kick on from here. But you never know what to expect.
‘‘I was so hungry today to play and prove to myself I could still score goals. I missed a few chances against Newcastle and wanted to put it right.’’ – Daily Mail
