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

Premier League

Manchester City

West Ham

Crystal Palace

Aston Villa

In a surprise to many, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/erling-haaland-is-missing-for-real-man-city-hitman-dropped-for-aston-villa-clash-after-on-field-no-show-against-arsenal-as-kevin-de-bruyne-sits-out-too/blt4c2c4b012349dc14" target="_blank">Guardiola named both Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench</a> for City's crucial Premier League clash with Villa. The decision came off the back of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/roy-keane-right-erling-haaland-man-city-striker-all-round-game-nowhere-near-world-class/blt3891432443b734d2" target="_blank">a disappointing performance from the Norwegian in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/league-two-player-roy-keane-savage-erling-haaland-man-city-arsenal-man-utd/blt20123f5b69dd5a88" target="_blank">compared to that of a "League Two player" by Roy Keane</a> at the weekend, but that had little to do with his bench role according to his manager.

THE EXPLANATION

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."

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-city-player-ratings-vs-aston-villa-phil-foden-rodri/blt97e2ba90ed3df9af" target="_blank">City did not miss Haaland on Wednesday night as they cruised to victory over Unai Emery's side,</a> 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.

WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND AND CITY?

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

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insisted Erling Haaland was only being rested after being named on the bench against Aston Villa. 

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