Manager also hails Haaland as striker continues impressive run of form
Pep Guardiola has praised Gianluigi Donnarumma after the shot stopper helped Manchester preserve their 1-0 lead against Brentford, ultimately winning by the same scoreline.
Donnarumma’s save was a decisive one-on-one stop to deny Igor Thiago a golden chance in the second half. Guardiola praised the maturity of the 26-year-old, who joined the club on deadline day to replace James Trafford as No 1.
“This guy started to play at the highest level at 17,” said Guardiola. “When they told me he’s 26 it’s like he’s had centuries playing football. His composure, his presence. With clubs who play good you get one piece of action and he did it today. One against one.”
Guardiola also credited Erling Haaland for the narrow victory. Haaland scored after nine minutes, his ninth goal in as many games, continuing a run that offers a reminder of his record-breaking debut season in English football.
“He’s the best,” Guardiola said. “The year of the treble he scored 50 goals. Now he feels part of the club, he feels it’s his team.”
The 1-0 win also marked Guardiola’s 250th Premier League victory, achieved in just 349 matches. He reached the milestone much quicker than Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. Guardiola joked he would “invite them for dinner”, before showing gratitude for the recognition.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure to be part of Premier League history,” said Guardiola. “I say thank you to the club and the players and the staff I had. We did it quicker and faster. Now let’s go to 250 games more.”
