Pep Guardiola voices frustration after Haaland decision against Leeds

Despite winning their match and staying atop the Premier League, Pep Guardiola was not happy with a decision Erling Haaland made

The match between Manchester City and Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on May 6th finished 2-1 for the hosts. An early first-half brace for Ilkay Gundogan was enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to beat Leeds United, who were playing their first match under Sam Allardyce. Erling Haaland did not record a goal or assist for the first time since February 18th.

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After bursting by two Leeds players in the opposition box, Phil Foden is fouled by Pascal Strujik which results in a penalty. Erling Haaland has been City’s main penalty kick taker this season but he decided to hand it off to Ilkay Gundogan to get his hat-trick. Up steps Gundogan… and it rockets it off the post. A visibly furious Pep Guardiola can be seen yelling from the touchline:

Leeds score just a minute later to make that game 2-1 and all of a sudden City’s lead doesn’t feel so safe. In the post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola spoke about the decision of Erling Haaland to hand off the ball to Ilkay Gundogan.

"Pep Guardiola: “The game is not over. It shows how nice and generous Erling is. How special a person he is.  If it is 4-0 with 10 minutes left, OK. But at 2-0? Erling is the best penalty taker right now so he has to take it”. (Source: City Xtra)."

Ilkay Gundogan also spoke about being handed the ball from Erling Haaland:

"I asked him a couple of times, are you sure? The disappointment of failing to score the penalty is a bit higher and more than scoring two goals and winning the game, which is a bit sad.” (Source: Football Daily)"

Despite the mishap, Pep Guardiola, Haaland, and Gundogan all get the last laugh as City go four points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.