Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says his star striker Erling Haaland is on the same level as some of the footballing greats.

He compared the Norwegian to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but admitted that “they have been doing it for 15 years”. He added: “You see Messi still in MLS, he scores two or three goals every day. Cristiano and Saudi are the same.

“But [Haaland] is at that level and without him, it would be tough.”

He scored again against Liverpool despite missing a penalty, as City closed the gap to four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.