Pep Guardiola's fury at Erling Haaland for not stepping up to take Manchester City's penalty against Leeds was clear for all to see on Saturday afternoon.
The City manager was spotted angrily pointing in the direction of the talismanic forward before Ilkay Gundogan stepped up to shoot from 12 yards, seemingly shouting "you have to take it" to Haaland. With Gundogan netting a first-half brace, it was a touching gesture from his team-mate who usually takes spot-kicks to try and allow him the chance to get his hat-trick.
However, Gundogan failed to do his part and actually convert, with his penalty striking the frame of the Leeds goal. Minutes later, Rodrigo scored to ensure it was a nervy ending at the Etihad, though City did manage to cling on for all three points.
Guardiola can hardly be too angry, given just last month he praised Riyad Mahrez for taking a penalty to bag his hat-trick against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final.
"I don't say who is the taker," he said. "When both [ Mahrez and Haaland] play they talk to each other and it's fine. As long as they score I don't care.
"Erling missed the first one in Munich but his courage is great. And what I like most about Riyad is that he has missed penalties in the past and he’s said 'give me the ball again.' That defines the player."
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However, at the same time, Guardiola has also complained already this season about other players taking penalties ahead of Haaland. During the home victory over Aston Villa back in February, Guardiola admitted he wanted City's number nine to take the penalty instead of Mahrez.
He told Sky Sports: "I like when people want to take penalties but always there is one that is the main one and that is Erling."
Pressed for comment on what he made of the situation, Guardiola added: "I don’t know. I need to talk to them. Usually, Erling is the first taker, Riyad is the second one, Rodri was involved. I saw it from the touchline so we will see what they say tomorrow."
Amid all the frustration over the penalty controversy against Leeds, Guardiola will just be delighted that his side came away from the game with all three points.
As a result, the reigning champions have extended their gap at the top of the table to four points and leave Arsenal with the difficult task of needing to win away at Newcastle on Sunday to stay in the race.
