Erling Haaland has explained his ‘frustrated reaction’ to being substituted after scoring four goals against Wolves on Saturday.
Manchester City kept pace with Premier League leaders Arsenal with a comfortable 5-1 win over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland returned to the starting XI for the first time since his injury and looked rejuvenated in a 10/10 performance.
The Norwegian sensation scored a first-half hat-trick with two penalties and a towering header but saved the best for last with a fantastic goal after bringing down Phil Foden’s lofted pass.
After a job well done, Pep Guardiola decided to rest his star striker and take him off with eight minutes remaining.
However, clearly hungry to add to his tally, Haaland was visibly annoyed after leaving the pitch and taking a seat in the dug-out.
Erling Haaland’s reaction to be substituted
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola admitted: “He was a little bit frustrated, I understand.”
However, when speaking to the BBC, Haaland said he was not frustrated with coming off after scoring four: “It was nothing about that.
“I was happy and Julian scored so that was really nice.”
Erling Haaland looks back to his best
Haaland has come in for some criticism this season after falling to score in some big games against top teams and due to his struggles in getting involved in build-up play.
However, he appeared to be back to his best against Wolves and looked completely refreshed after some recent injury trouble.
Not only did he score four but his overall play was excellent too. Haaland looked sharp. He was linking up with the midfielders, making runs and terrorising defenders.
He is now on 36 goals for the season, too, which ain’t bad for someone who’s gotten so much stick.
