Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to take Erling Haaland off at half-time with their Champions League game already won against FC Copenhagen.
After three consecutive home hat-tricks at the Etihad, Haaland scored twice in the opening 45 minutes against Copenhagen to help City open up a 3-0 lead but did not come out after the break with Cole Palmer replacing him. The No.9 ran a lap of honour around the stadium after the match to dispel any worries over his fitness.
Guardiola admitted it had not been the plan to take Haaland off at half-time but he could not resist the opportunity to rest him with the Southampton game coming up on Saturday. However, he rejected the notion that it was simply for rest as he talked up the importance of his squad.
