- ABC News
- August 18, 2024
Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland's goal-scoring record is reaching the levels of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but believes the striker is capable of getting even better in the years ahead. Haaland, 24, scored the opening goal on 18 minutes as City started their quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Chelsea, sealed with Mateo Kovacic's 84th-minute strike. The Norway international marked his 100th league appearance with his 91st goal, and Guardiola claimed that Haaland's summer off -- Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024 -- has left him feeling sharper ahead of the new campaign. "He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything," Guardiola said. "In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don't know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable. "I...