'it's not easy' — Haaland on the slender victory over Palace

Erling Haaland speaks about the difficulty of the game against Crystal Palace, lauding the difficulty of the Premier League.  

Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park to keep pace with league leaders Arsenal.

Manchester City dominated for huge chunks of the game but were wasteful in front of goal; however, a Haaland strike from the penalty spot in the 87th minute of the game gave them a breakthrough.

Haaland, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, said they had to fight to get the three points as winning a game in the Premier League is not easy, drawing comparisons with Liverpool's loss to Bournemouth earlier in the day. 

Haaland pointed out that teams have adapted to Manchester City, which makes it more difficult for them than in previous seasons, saying they also had to evolve to deal with the new difficulty level. 

"Three points and to win games and to keep performing, it's not easy,” Haaland said, per the BBC.

“Bournemouth beat Liverpool earlier so every game is not easy, it is a fight.

"Nice stadium and a good game and I enjoy it. It's my job and I enjoy it.

"Everyone knows how important this win is for us and we have to keep going.”

"We have to play different ways. People adapt as a team and how people play. Last five years at City there have been four Premier Leagues, and we have to adapt and try our best to perform."

Haaland was rather wasteful on the day, missing a big chance and registering only one shot on target from five attempts. 

The striker revealed that he hated missing chances and even further analysed one of the chances he missed, saying he was impeded by a bump on the pitch.  

 "I don't like to miss chances; I had one in the second half. There was a small dent in the grass, and it stopped me."

When asked about his well-taken penalty, Haaland revealed his philosophy behind it, explaining how he stays focused by breathing.

"I try to breathe and to be in the moment, and that's what I did.”

He also spoke about how he is enjoying life in England, explaining how surreal the experience has been for him, participating in a league he has watched his whole life.  

"I enjoy it, this is England, this is what I have watched my whole life. I enjoy every single second being in it. It's good to be in the middle of it."

Manchester City are not in Premier League action next weekend as they have an FA Cup match against Burnley. Their next game is on Wednesday when they face Leipzig in the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg.