Guardiola explains Haaland substitution in 3-0 win

Manchester City Striker Erling Haaland was withdrawn before the second half of their win over Fulham due to a “problem”, Pep Guardiola revealed after his match. 3-0 victory.

City's talisman was replaced by Guardiola after the break, with the Norwegian making it 3-0 with a superb finish from the edge of the box after Antoine Semenyo and Nico O'Reilly had put the hosts in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola's men are now behind Premier League leaders Arsenal just three points in the title race ahead of the Gunners' game against Brentford on Thursday.

City's next Premier League match is in 10 days, when they host Newcastle United. They face Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, but it seems unlikely Haaland will be in the squad for that match after Guardiola confirmed he had replaced Omar Marmoush to protect him against a more serious injury.

“He [Haaland] I had a problem,” Guardiola told TNT Sports. “Never doubt the top scorers. The season is so long.

In his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: “I haven't spoken with the doctors. I don't know exactly what he has. It's just a disturbance, fatigue or something like that – I don't know.

“He said, 'I don't feel comfortable,' at 3-0, with a lot of matches he played, with Omar [Marmoush]so outside! Common sense, right?

Haaland scored a decisive penalty in a dramatic 2-1 win at Liverpool last Sunday in which the two sides played 103 minutes, and Guardiola was impressed with how City avoided a disappointment after their effort at Anfield.

“It was not easy after incredible emotions when you play an emotional match like Liverpool,” Guardiola told TNT.

“It was a very, very good performance. I'm so happy with the guys.

“At times the team grows, people come back. It's really, really important.”

Guardiola, however, had a dismissive response when speaking about their gain on Arsenal.

“It's not three points [the gap at the top]”, he emphasized. “After tomorrow's match we will see how many points.”

Manchester City's new signings are making a huge impact

Semenyo got the ball rolling for City against Fulham by scoring from close range in the 24th minute.

It was his sixth goal against the Cottagers during his Premier League career, with Fulham rarely looking like avoiding a 20th successive defeat to City thereafter.

He then turned to O'Reilly for help, with the Ghana international continuing his red-hot form since arriving from Bournemouth in January.

Semenyo has six goals and two assists in seven games for City. On the other hand, City have now kept two clean sheets in the four matches in which their other January signing, Marc Guehi, has featured following his move from Crystal Palace.

“A lot of goals. He has a feel for second balls in the box, but not just pace and intensity – he's a very, very good player,” Guardiola added of Semenyo.

“With him and Marc Guehi, the club is making incredible signings.”