Pep Guardiola has referenced footballing legends Johan Cruyff and Zlatan Ibrahimovic when discussing Erling Haaland's acrobatic winning goal against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening.
Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of Group G in the UEFA Champions League, as late goals from John Stones and Erling Haaland secured yet another comeback win for the Premier League Champions.
City, who started lethargically and fell behind in the 56th minute after a well-worked Jude Bellingham goal, produced another impressive turnaround to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.
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John Stones smashed the Blues level in the 80th minute, as the Englishman unleashed a fierce long-range strike.
Less than five minutes later, the latest Manchester City comeback was complete, with Erling Haaland superbly guiding the ball goalwards.
The 22 year-old, who was one of three City players to feature against their former club at the Etihad Stadium in midweek, scored his 13th goal of the season on Wednesday night.
City are now three points clear of Dortmund in their Champions League group, and next face back-to-back meetings with FC Copenhagen after the upcoming international break.
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Post-match, manager Pep Guardiola hailed Haaland's latest City strike, comparing the finish to a famous goal scored by Johan Cruyff.
"Maybe the people who know me know the influence of Johan Cruyff in my life as a person, mentor manager.
"Years ago he scored in Camp Nou and scored a goal v Atleti, it was quite similar to Haaland and the moment he scored it I felt Cruyff, it was quite similar.
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"A really good one, the assist from Joao was exceptional. He has the ability. The simple things he has to make these actions, I know he can do it but you can't force it. I know he does it quite often and has a desire to improve.
"The finish was exceptional."
Guardiola also compared Haaland's impressive acrobatic finish to formidable forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"I remember a little bit my dear friend [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, who has this ability to put their foot on the roof, and Erling is quite similar on that," said the City manager.
Haaland has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the Premier League, since signing from Dortmund for £51 million in the summer.
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The Norwegian scored consecutive Premier League hat-tricks last month, netting three times against both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Haaland has now scored at least once in his past six matches in all competitions.
Wednesday's winning goal was Haaland's third in Europe this season, after scoring twice on debut in Seville last week.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Johan Cruyff
Harry Winters