Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland has “shut up” his critics after scoring the only goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Brentford on Tuesday. The top three are separated by just two points in the Premier League’s lucrative title race as City moved to within one point of leaders Liverpool, while third-placed Arsenal are a point behind with 13 games remaining. Haaland was keen to make amends for a disappointing night in front of goal as City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on Saturday.

The Norwegian has recently returned from a two-month injury layoff and Guardiola said he is also coping with the loss of his grandmother off the field.

But Haaland was his old self in front of goal when he latched onto Julian Alvarez’s pass for his 22nd goal of the season 19 minutes from time.

Guardiola said, “Top strikers score a lot of goals. Don’t criticize, he will shut your mouth. Sooner or later he is there.”

“He was out for two months, he lost his grandmother, it’s not easy for a human being.

“We talked about that moment (missing chances against Chelsea), and I realized it later, but he didn’t say anything about his grandmother passing away.”

Kevin De Bruyne was left on the bench for the entire match as Guardiola revealed he had “niggles” in his hamstring.

The Belgian missed the first five months of the season with a hamstring injury.

De Bruyne’s ingenuity was missed as City struggled to dominate despite enjoying almost 70 per cent of possession and having 25 shots on goal.

The Bees were the last visiting team to win at the Etihad 14 months ago and have the chance to spring another big surprise.

Frank Onyeka failed to beat Ederson midway through the first half before Ivan Toni sent a free-kick inches over the bar.

The majority of the goalmouth action came at the other end.

In a rare start for the Norwegian youngster, Oscar Bob came close to opening the scoring in the first half when his effort was cleared off the line by Ben Mee.

Bernardo Silva also had a great chance, but Thomas Frank’s team kept it out until the break.

– Liverpool, Arsenal’s hopes dashed –

Liverpool and Arsenal’s hopes of a second surprise gift from City in the title race in four days may have been boosted by a quiet start to the second round.

However, City remains in the race to become the first team to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

A slip from Brentford defender Christopher Ajer provided the moment Haaland was waiting for as he sprinted towards goal and kept his composure to score for just the third time in his last eight games.

Brentford boss Frank said, “I’m incredibly proud. We didn’t concede much in the way of the goal – which is a mistake.”

“I think they’re good enough. They don’t need that much luck to get over the line!”

City should have extended their advantage, especially as goal difference could have proved decisive in the title race.

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick in City’s 3-1 win in west London earlier this month.

But the England international was twice denied by Flekken late on as the goalkeeper unleashed a thunderous shot and then stood well to stop as Foden tried to get around him.

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