Erling Haaland compared Brentford’s physical style to Tony Pulis’ old Stoke City side after scoring the decisive goal in a tough 1-0 victory for Manchester City at the Etihad.
The Norwegian striker’s first-half strike secured three hard-fought points for Pep Guardiola’s team, who were made to battle every inch of the way by a Brentford side still finding their feet under new boss Keith Andrews.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Haaland admitted that the contest evoked memories of one of the Premier League’s most notoriously direct sides.
“It was a tough game,” he said. “It reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago!
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“They are huge and do throw-ins from the middle, so of course it’s not easy.
“But it’s about preparing for what’s going to come and analysing it well — and we did.
“The backroom staff did their job really well. All praise to them. A low block is not easy — five people around us at all times — so it feels even better to win.”
Haaland’s comments were a nod to Stoke’s distinctive brand of football under Pulis following their promotion to the Premier League in 2008.
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Erling Haaland compared Brentford’s physical style to Tony Pulis’ old Stoke City side after scoring the decisive goal in a tough 1-0 victory for Manchester City at the Etihad
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Rory Delap’s extraordinary long throws — often launched into the box like guided missiles — became a defining feature of their play.
At their height, Delap’s deliveries could travel up to 40 metres and reach speeds of 50mph, directly contributing to 24 Premier League goals and a further eight in the Championship.
Managers of the era were both bemused and begrudgingly impressed — David Moyes famously described Delap as “like a human sling,” while Sam Allardyce dubbed his throws “the best Scud missile I have ever seen.”
Brentford have resurrected elements of that old-school approach this season, with long throws and set-piece routines forming a key part of their strategy.
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Rory Delap's long throws came to symbolise Stoke City during their time in the Premier League
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But on this occasion, City’s defence held firm.
Haaland’s predatory finish — his ninth Premier League goal in seven matches — proved the difference as Guardiola’s side climbed to fifth, three points behind leaders Arsenal heading into the international break.
The Norway international, who now has 12 goals in all competitions this season, insisted he feels sharper than ever.
“I’ve never felt better than I do now,” he said.
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Man City are up to fifth in the Premier League table following their narrow 1-0 win over Brentford
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“It’s about preparation — being ready physically and mentally.
“Having a kid makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever. When you’re young, you think about this and that, you worry about things, but when I get home now, I relax.
“I think I need to give a shout-out to my son.”
The 25-year-old also relished his physical battle with Brentford defender Sepp van den Berg, whose aggressive start to the match seemed to ignite Haaland’s competitive fire.
Erling Haaland slotted home his ninth Premier League goal of the season during Man City's win over Brentford
| REUTERS“In the first five minutes he kept pushing me, so I thought, alright, let’s have it,” he laughed.
“So I started pushing him back — for me, that’s a proper goal. Honestly, he made me want to do that.
“The physical battle helps me. I was tired before the game, but after that, I felt alive.”
Haaland also described his match-winning strike as one of his best in a City shirt.
“This goal for me is top — one of my better ones because of the whole thing,” he said.
“There’s always space, even in a low block. It’s about timing and finding the run. Today wasn’t easy, but that’s why it feels even better.”
City now turn their attention to a home clash with Everton after the break — another side known for their physical edge — as Haaland and his team-mates continue their pursuit of Arsenal at the summit.