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Pep Guardiola was thankful that his squad has the Norwegian striker scoring and the Italian goalkeeper stopping them, following a victory at Brentford's ground that came with another fitness issue for Rodri.

The Striker's Remarkable Form

"I have an incredible striker and keeper," remarked Guardiola, with the forward's ninth-minute strike turning out to be the decisive one. His recent performances are approaching the levels of the team's 2022-23 campaign, as the number nine has found the net in 9 consecutive games. "He is the top," commented his boss. "During the year of the treble, he notched – how many? – 50 million goals In my view he's integrated now, he's comfortable. He believes now that it's mine."

Donnarumma's Crucial Contribution

On the goalkeeper's important save from Igor Thiago, he said: "This guy starts to perform at the top level at 17. After I learned he's 26 it's like he's had centuries of football. His composure, his aura. Against teams who are strong you get one piece of action and he succeeded today. A one-on-one situation."

Guardiola's Milestone Achievement

Pep achieved the personal landmark of two hundred and fifty English top-flight wins, overtaking Ferguson and Wenger in attaining that total in a record 349 games. "I will invite them to a good dinner, perhaps elsewhere, in a warmer place," he remarked of those legendary managers. "Or in Manchester. It's an honor and a pleasure to be part of the league's history. I offer thanks to the team and the players and the staff I worked with. We did it quicker and sooner. Now let's go for another 250 matches."

Rodri's Injury Concern

Regarding Rodri's muscle problem, the most recent setback after a cruciate knee injury last season, the manager said: "I'd prefer to have him frequently but after one year it occurs constantly, it is so demanding. This is why we tried to be cautious, play for 60-65 minutes but it can't continue."

The Opponent's Response

Keith Andrews, expressed satisfaction that his side got better after City's first-half control to pose a danger until the full-time whistle. "Our aim to do is unite a team as one, a club together, after so many transitions," he stated. "I think it's growing. I believe you could observe that in the second half performance today against top-level opposition."