City moved just three points clear of league leaders Arsenal on Sunday with a convincing 3-1 win over Aston Villa. Guardiola’s side’s win adds more intensity to the clash between the two sides on Wednesday night, with victory meaning his side can finally return to the top of the table.
Rodri’s header after just four minutes at the Etihad Stadium gave the hosts the lead, before Ilkay Gundogan continued his fine form against Villa in the 39th minute.
Then Jack Grealish was awarded a penalty against his former team on the cusp of half-time, and several superstars stepped forward hoping to increase their goal tally. Rodri, Haaland and Mahrez were all hoping to take the penalty before captain Gundogan stepped in to decide to step up the latter.
The former Leicester City star calmly sent Martinez the wrong way, despite Guardiola declaring he would prefer Haaland to step up.
Speaking after the match, he said: “I love when people want to take penalties but there is always one that is essential and that is Erling.”
Asked by Sky Sports what he said about the situation, the former Barcelona coach continued: “I don’t know. I need to talk to them. Usually, Erling [Haaland] He is the first to take, Riyad [Mahrez] He second, Rodri was involved. I saw it from the touchline, so we’ll see what they say tomorrow.”
Haaland has scored four penalties in the Premier League so far this season and would have taken his tally for the season to 26 if he had been able to repeat Mahrez’s feat from the penalty spot. On the other hand, Rodri scored only one penalty kick in his career with City, and went up against Tottenham in the 2020/21 season. However, the Spaniard revealed that he is confident he will be able to repeat that success against Villa.
“I only asked because I was full of confidence at that moment,” said the Spaniard. But I understand and accept the decision. I don’t know [if Erling Haaland should have taken it]This depends on the coach who decides before the match, which is Riyad. We’ve got good shooters even though we’ve been very light this season in penalties, but it’s something we have to be ready to go for because it can make the difference sometimes.”
