Erling Haaland scored both goals in Manchester City’s huge win at Spurs (Picture: Getty Images)
Erling Haaland admits he was nervous and scared as he stepped up to take a penalty in Manchester City’s win at Tottenham on Tuesday night, describing the match as ‘a bit horrible’.
It was a nervy night for the champions as they needed to win to return to the top of the Premier League table with just one more game to play.
Spurs competed impressively and the game was level until Haaland scored on 51 minutes, tapping in a ball across goal from Kevin De Bruyne.
Tottenham then had a fabulous chance to equalise through Son Heung-min, but his effort was saved by substitute Stefan Ortega, before Haaland scored his second from the penalty spot.
The Norwegian took his Premier League tally to 27 this season with those two goals but even the seemingly nerveless forward admitted he was edgy during the crunch game and when he stepped up from 12 yards.
‘It was a bit horrible,’ he told the BBC of the game. ‘A lot of emotions, we were nervous, which is normal for these types of games, but we won. That was the goal, I don’t care how we won. We won. Now on to the next one.’
On his penalty he added: ‘I was really nervous, scared of course, but also a bit excited. It was all about getting the ball into the back of the net. That’s what I did, so happy, relaxed, focus on the next one.’
Haaland with Manchester City’s unlikely hero Stefan Ortega (Picture: Getty Images)
City must now beat West Ham on the final day of the season to secure a fourth straight Premier League title, something that no team has achieved before.
On how his team will prepare, Haaland said: ‘Relax. Don’t think too much. Relax with our families and train together.
‘Keep on doing what we have been doing now for 37 games straight, try not to think too much, focus and have fun.’
Pep Guardiola was already trying to focus the minds of his players, reminding them of the threat West Ham can pose, even if City will be heavy favourites when they host the Hammers.
Pep Guardiola’s team are top of the table going into the final weekend (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Now I’m calm but thinking [about Michail] Antonio, [Jarrod] Bowen, [James] Ward-Prowse,’ he said.
‘We know what we’re playing for. The tension is there, the rivalry is so good. It’s why it is difficult, we know that.
‘Everyone come to the stadium and make noise. These games are more difficult but you have to do it. We’ll have one day off, two days to prepare, and then we will do our best.’
MORE : Pep Guardiola explains bizarre reaction to huge Stefan Ortega save from Son Heung-min
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