Erling Haaland PINCHES his opponent in an attempt to put them off during games, reveals Ben Mee as he exposes some of Man City striker's dark arts – but Brentford defender insists he 'quite likes that' about the Norwegian
Ben Mee has opened up on what it is like to face Man City star Erling Haaland
Brentford got the better of City in November, beating them 2-1 at the Etihad
And Mee claims Haaland has a trick up his sleeve in trying to put off defenders
Brentford defender Ben Mee has revealed an unusual tactic Erling Haaland employs that sees him 'pinching' opposition defenders to get the better of them.
The Man City striker has already equaled the record for Premier League goals with 32 in just 28 appearances, with the Cityzens firmly in the title fight as the season approaches its closing stages.
While many have attributed his success to speed, strength and goal scoring instincts, Mee has not put it down to something sneakier.
'He is a powerful lad and we have had a little bit of a jostle,' the Brentford defender said on Sky Sports, 'there were little pinches here ant there between me and him.'
When asked by Jamie Carragher whether Haaland or Mee were doing more of the pinching, the defender replied:
'More from him to be fair. But I don't mind that, I quite like that.'
Erling Haaland recently equaled the record for the most Premier League goals in a 38 game season after just 28 appearances
Ben Mee has revealed a left-field tactic employed by the Norweigan striker, but it had little effect in Brentford's 2-1 win at the Etihad in November
'Obviously we are trying to be physical with him and use our body in and around the box to stop him from getting into any positions he wants to.'
The unconventional ploy failed to have much of an impact when the Norwegian came up against Mee's Brentford in November, as he went goalless in a 2-1 loss at the Etihad and picked up a first half booking. Haaland could have another chance against the defender, who began his career at City, when the two sides meet in west London on the final day of the season.
Arsenal's recent declines mean Guardiola's men are now just four points behind them in the table with one game less, while they are also well positioned in the Champions League with a 3-0 lead. in the first leg against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Final match. and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
City are yet to face the league leaders next week, a game that Guardiola feels will define the title race.
"It's a final to play more finals because if you lose this one, it's almost over," he said. "Hopefully we can do that by being lucky enough to be there." The 33-year-old centre-back, who started his career at Man City, claims the striker 'presses' opposition defenders to stop them
Man City are only four points behind leaders Arsenal after one game and can win the treble
'It's winning, winning and winning. [Arsenal] had a great performance and I don't think they're going to drop many points, so it's important to stay in that.
City will then play the second leg of the Champions League against Bayern on Wednesday.
For Brentford, hopes of a European place were dashed after a five-game winless streak, but Thomas Frank's side remained ninth after a solid season overall.
They will then have a game against Aston Villa on Saturday.
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