Stop relying on Haaland — Guardiola sends warning to wasteful City players

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a sharp message to his players, warning them to start chipping in with goals instead of relying on top scorer Erling Haaland.

Manchester City extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches and temporarily climbed to the top of the Premier League, thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland against Everton.

The Norwegian striker has made an amazing start to the campaign, with his 11 league goals after just eight matches putting him five clear of anyone else in the Golden Boot race. However, this staggering tally is also 10 more than any other City player has managed in the league.

Guardiola warns against over-reliance on Haaland

Manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with Haaland's performance but made it clear that his teammates must start contributing goals if the team is to sustain its results.

“He could have scored four or five at the end. He's our key man,” Guardiola said.“

"At the same time, we cannot do good things with just Erling. Our wingers, attacking midfielders, and the other players have to make a step up.”

Guardiola stressed that the missed chances are unacceptable at this level:

“The chances we create are so clear. They have to score goals. Savinho had two [chances], Jeremy had two, Tijjani had another one, and they have to score at that level. We have to score more. If we don't create, it's fine but when we create, we have to score.

”They know it. We talk about it for a long time. In the training sessions, they are good at finishing, so they have to do it.

"We have Erling, so it's fine, but we will be stronger. I want our team to be stron,g and this is what they have to do.”