Pep Guardiola explains the incident on Erling Haaland’s sidelines after the substitution

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has assured that Erling Haaland was not unhappy with him after being substituted in the win over Wolves.

Haaland extended his lead in the Golden Boot standings by scoring four goals at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, ensuring City kept pace with Arsenal in the title race.

However, there were indications that the striker was unhappy with Guardiola when he was sent off in the second half.

The City manager said after the game that referee Craig Pawson was responsible for Haaland’s anger.

Guardiola explained: “There were a lot of long balls into the channels where he gained position and was pulled by the opponent and it was never ruled a foul.”

“If he’s at shoulder height I can understand that, but sometimes he won position and got pulled.

“He went down and sometimes it wasn’t a foul. This happens often in every game. He was a little frustrated with these actions, but I can guarantee how happy he was today.”

Guardiola praised Haaland for returning to his best in his first start in two and a half weeks.

He explained: “Today he did it and also against Nottingham Forest. He was injured (before).

“It’s so big that it takes time to get back into top shape. It’s not like Jeremy (Doku), Phil (Foden) or Julian (Alvarez), they can be ready (quicker).

“I am very pleased with his performance and the extraordinary goals he scored. Also punishments, because we know that sometimes it’s not easy. I’m really happy for him.”