Pep Guardiola praises selfless Man City striker Erling Haaland after gritty Newcastle win

While Nico O'Reilly's brace earned City all three points and kept the pressure on leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, Guardiola was quick to highlight the unseen work of his star striker.

Haaland, who leads the league scoring charts with 22 goals this season, did not find the net against Newcastle. However, his contribution was vital in a fiercely contested match where he battled physically with the Magpies' defenders and even dropped deep to help defensively late on.

"I prefer we don't have to defend," Guardiola said. "But when it's long balls, Erling is a striker who has to work as a central defender.

"With Burn and Joelinton at the end and all the players in behind, he had to help us. I'm not a big fan of getting Erling to defend but he helped us."

Guardiola admitted he felt for his striker, who worked tirelessly without always receiving the final pass.

"It's difficult for him to run, run, run and fight and then not get the final ball to score goals. But sometimes the game is like that," he said. "He's an incredibly generous player. Today is a performance I will never forget."

Haaland still made a decisive impact, providing a precise cross for O'Reilly's 27th-minute winner. It was another assist to add to his remarkable campaign. Alongside his 22 goals, he now has 29 goal contributions this season - 11 more than his nearest challengers.

"In the final third I want someone to cross to him!" Guardiola added. "But his movement for the assist was incredible. The numbers are unbelievable, the work rate and many things. I am really pleased.

"Sometimes I'm critical of him but I said to him, without you it would not be possible. Erling was outstanding."

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