That Chelsea setback came just days after Haaland's grandmother died, and City manager Guardiola took the opportunity post-match to give his thoughts on the forward's recent critics - and journalists.

"With top scorers or strikers who score a lot of goals, don't criticise because he will shut your mouth, that's for sure," said Guardiola. "Sooner or later, he is there.

"Definitely, if I have to choose one [player to be running through on goal], I choose this one.

"He was out with injury for two months and is not in his best shape and just had an incredibly tough week because he lost his grandmother. That is not easy for a human being."

Asked a question about whether Haaland had been "determined to make an impact" against Brentford following some discussion in the media about his performance against Chelsea, Guardiola responded by saying he had "never" wanted to be a journalist.

When a reporter asked a further question about what was wrong with being a journalist, Pep replied: "I am a manager," he said. "My life is better than yours."

He then added his comment was "not personal" to the journalist asking the question.

Guardiola also said Belgium playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, who has just returned from five months out, has a hamstring issue.

"Today we could not use Kevin because he had niggles in his hamstring and I didn't want to take [a] risk," he said.

"He's OK. It's just a precaution but he didn't feel comfortable, and so after five months off we didn't take any risk."

More history for Haaland

Another day, another piece of history for Haaland.

His crucial winner against Brentford on Tuesday not only boosted Manchester City's title hopes, but meant he has scored against all 21 opponents he has played against in the Premier League.

Harry Kane was the only player in Premier League history to face more than one side and score against all of them, with 32 out of 32. Haaland now joins him.

Only two other players have played against 20 or more teams and only failed to score against one of them - Thierry Henry (34 out of 35) and Sergio Aguero (32 out of 33) - showing how impressive his and Kane's achievements are.

Not that the Norwegian will be thinking too much about records after his priceless winner lifted a growing sense of frustration around Etihad Stadium, just when many home fans started fearing another 'one of those days'.

The 23-year-old had spurned nine attempts at goal against Chelsea - the most he has had in a single Premier League appearance without scoring - as City's 11-game winning run came to an end.

It was also the sixth time in seven matches Haaland had failed to find the target as some started to suggest - somewhat prematurely - he was struggling for form.

There was no sign of any struggles though, as he took advantage of a slip from Kristoffer Ajer to stride on to a through ball and sweep home the winner.

The goal moved him two ahead in the race for the Golden Boot on 17 for the season, and made it 53 in 55 Premier League appearances.

Not bad for a man out of form.