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

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

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

However, there were suggestions that the striker was unhappy with Guardiola when he was substituted 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 many long balls into the channels where he gained position and was pulled by the opponent, and it was never [given as] a foul.

“If he is at shoulder height, I can understand that, but sometimes he has won the position and been pulled.

“He went down and sometimes it wasn't a foul. That happens a lot in every game. He was just a little frustrated with those actions, but I can guarantee how happy he was today.”

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

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

“He is so big that it takes time to get back into top shape. It's not like Jeremy [Doku] or Phil [Foden] or Julian [Alvarez]can they be ready [quicker].

“I'm so happy for his performance and the extraordinary goals he scored. Also for the penalties, because we know that sometimes it's not easy. I'm really happy for him.”