Guardiola lauds impact of Erling Haaland

New signing scores brace on Premier League debut to delight City boss

Pep Guardiola has lauded the impact of new signing Erling Haaland, after the striker scored a brace on his Premier League debut.

The Norwegian international joined the Blues for £51m from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and took little time in opening his account for his new club.

Haaland was brought down by West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola in the 36th minute, and confidently dispatched the subsequent penalty into the bottom corner. He doubled his tally in the 65th minute, after a sublime through ball from Kevin De Bruyne, and manager Guardiola could barely conceal his delight at the post-match press conference.

“I know how he handled a lot of criticism this week,” he said.

“He was really calm, he trained really well but the way he took the ball for the penalty I said 'I like it'.

“So direct and I think if someone is taking the ball, he would punch them in the face even though they are his mates!

“And that is a pretty good sign. To be so confident, I like it.”

“Erling scoring the two goals, it's important for him and the team and for us and it's another weapon we have now.”