'Stoke City Vibes!' – Erling Haaland Fires Brutal Jibe At Brentford’s Long-Throw Tactics After 1-0 Win

Erling Haaland compared Brentford’s bruising style of play to Tony Pulis’ famously direct Stoke City side after firing Manchester City to a gritty 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. 

The Norwegian striker’s first-half goal proved decisive in a contest that tested City’s composure and resilience as much as their skill.

Pep Guardiola’s men were made to work hard against Keith Andrews’ Brentford, who relied on their towering defenders, deep defensive block, and relentless aerial pressure to unsettle the champions. 

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Despite the onslaught, Haaland’s clinical strike ensured City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just three points heading into the international break.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland praised his side’s preparation but admitted Brentford’s physical approach reminded him of one of English football’s most rugged teams from years past.

He said: “It was a tough game, and reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago! They are huge and do throw-ins from the middle so of course it is not easy but it is about preparing for what is going to come and analysing well and we did. The backroom staff did their job really well. All praise to them.”

A bruising battle reminiscent of old-school Premier League clashes

Brentford have become one of the Premier League’s leading exponents of the long throw-in, a tactic that was the hallmark of Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side between 2008 and 2013.

Under Pulis, Rory Delap’s thunderous throws—often reaching 40 metres and 50mph—were as dangerous as corner kicks and directly led to 24 Premier League goals.

Haaland and City’s defenders faced a similar aerial bombardment on Sunday, with Brentford repeatedly launching long throws into the box.

But Guardiola’s side held firm, repelling every challenge to record a valuable clean sheet. Haaland acknowledged the difficulty of facing such a low block and praised his team’s defensive discipline.

“A low block is not easy – five people around us at all times. It is why it is not easy and why it feels even better,” the striker added.

Haaland’s winner came after a fierce tussle with Brentford defender Sepp van den Berg, and the Norwegian relished the physical contest. 

“First five minutes he kept on pushing me so I was thinking alright, let’s have it! So I started pushing him back and for me this is a proper goal. I think the physical battle helps me because to be honest I was a bit tired before the game, thinking that it would be tough but after 10 seconds he starts pushing me and it motivates me, all praise to him honestly, he made me want to do that,” he noted.

The 24-year-old has now scored nine goals in seven Premier League matches and 12 in all competitions this season, continuing his red-hot form. Haaland credited his improved mindset and the calming influence of fatherhood for his performances.

“I have never felt better than I do now. It is about preparation, getting ready for the games. You can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready. With a kid it makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever – I don’t think about football at all.”

After surviving Brentford’s “Stoke City-style” onslaught, the champions have shown they can win ugly — a hallmark of title-winning sides.