Erling Haaland didn’t play for Manchester City as they booked their place in the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday. Haaland played against Nottingham Forest in City’s 2-all draw at the Etihad after missing his team’s 1-0 win over Leeds at Elland Road last weekend. Haaland did look rusty against Nottingham Forest, and his absence against Newcastle allowed Omar Marmoush to have the opportunity to start. Marmoush bagged a brace and seized his opportunity to start. Speaking after City’s win over Newcastle, Pep Guardiola revealed that Haaland was rested against Newcastle as City are set to embark on a crucial run of fixtures this week.
Pep Guardiola revealed that Haaland was rested against Newcastle on the weekend.
In quotes relayed by Hayters TV, Pep Guardiola revealed that Erling Haaland wasn’t rested against Newcastle. The Manchester City manager explained that he wanted Haaland to regain his rhythm through training rather than traveling to Newcastle. Speaking on Haaland’s absence and when asked if Haaland was rested, Guardiola said: “Yeah (Haaland was rested). I didn’t think to let him play and I prefer him to train to get back into his rhythm. After injury we always struggle to get back to that real pace of football.”
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Manchester City look stronger with more players available for selection and in form.
It was a wise move by Manchester City to rest Erling Haaland against Newcastle. City face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening. The first-leg Round of 16 match is a crucial fixture. Haaland should be fit and raring to go for the match in Madrid. That is the major benefit of Haaland having been rested from the trip up to Newcastle.
Another key take away from City’s win over Newcastle is that Pep Guardiola’s side is stronger than a few months ago. Having players fit and in form has changed the dynamic of the Manchester City squadd. A host of players staked their claim at St. James’ Park. Nico, Omar Marmoush, Savinho, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Nico O’Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov were all superb on Saturday. Now it seems that when called upon each player is ready to perform. That is the ideal scenario for City entering a critical stage of this season.
Erling Haaland was rested against Newcastle. Manchester City’s top scorer should be well-rested for City’s upcoming fixture against Real Madrid. Manchester City won on Saturday and rested a key player. That is the ideal scenario to come out of what looked to be a tough weekend for Pep Guardiola’s side.
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