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The City boss was thankful that his team has the Norwegian striker scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma preventing them, following a win at Brentford's ground that came with another injury concern for Rodri.

The Striker's Remarkable Form

"I have an incredible striker and goalkeeper," remarked the coach, with the forward's ninth-minute goal proving the decisive factor. His recent performances are reaching the levels of City's treble-winning campaign, as the number nine has scored in nine straight matches. "He is the top," added his manager. "In the year of the three trophies, he notched – what? – 50 million goals I think he's part of the club now, he's comfortable. He believes now that it's his home."

The Keeper's Key Contribution

Regarding Donnarumma's important save from Igor Thiago, Guardiola stated: "This guy began to perform at the top level at 17. After I learned he's 26 it's like he's had decades of football. His calmness, his presence. Against teams who play good you face one piece of action and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."

The Manager's Milestone Achievement

Guardiola reached the individual milestone of two hundred and fifty Premier League victories, overtaking Ferguson and Arsène Wenger in attaining that number in a record-breaking 349 matches. "I will invite them to a good dinner, perhaps not in Manchester, in a warmer place," he said of those legendary managers. "Alternatively in the city. It is an honour and a pleasure to be in the league's history. I offer thank you to the club and the players and the staff I worked with. We achieved it quicker and sooner. Next let's go for another 250 games more."

The Midfielder's Fitness Concern

On the player's muscle problem, the latest problem after a cruciate knee injury previously, the manager said: "I'd prefer to have him frequently but after one year it occurs constantly, it is very taxing. That is why we tried to be cautious, play for 60-65 minutes but it can't continue."

The Opponent's Reaction

Brentford's manager, expressed satisfaction that his side got better after City's first-half dominance to threaten until the full-time signal. "Our aim to do is unite a squad as one, a organization united, after so many changes," he said. "In my opinion it's growing. I think you could observe that in the second half showing today against elite rivals."