Why was Erling Haaland dropped? Pep Guardiola explains decision to bench hitman for Aston Villa test

In a surprise to many, Guardiola named both Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench for City's crucial Premier League clash with Villa. The decision came off the back of a disappointing performance from the Norwegian in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

Guardiola was adamant he was simply resting his star striker ahead of a busy few weeks for his side. Haaland has not been at his best of late, even having his general play compared to that of a "League Two player" by Roy Keane at the weekend, but that had little to do with his bench role according to his manager.

When asked if it was simply a matter of managing minutes in the run-in, Guardiola said: " Yeah, in two-and-a-half days we have another game at 12..30 (away to Crsytal Palace). I think all the teams at the top have a big squad, a good squad, and of course we have it. Today we decided for this line-up for this tough opening and [we will] go for it."

City did not miss Haaland on Wednesday night as they cruised to victory over Unai Emery's side, but will be hoping the night off did him some good ahead of some huge games. After Palace on Saturday, it's a trip to the Bernabeu for a Champions League quarter-final first leg with Real Madrid.