Haaland Collides With Post; Guardiola Says He'll Keep Playing

Erling Haaland suffered a sickening collision with the goalpost in Manchester City's 1–0 defeat at Aston Villa but remained on the pitch and had a 90th‑minute effort ruled out for offside. Pep Guardiola gave a guarded update — saying "hopefully he is fine" — and warned Norway boss Ståle Solbakken he cannot afford to rest Haaland much this season, adding the striker will keep playing unless the title is wrapped up early. The loss, decided by Matty Cash’s first‑half strike, ended a five‑match unbeaten run and left City further behind leaders Arsenal. Haaland has 24 goals for club and country and a scoring run across a dozen matches, making him integral to both City and Norway. City face a Carabao Cup tie at Swansea on Oct. 29 (where Haaland might be spared) before returning to Premier League duty against Bournemouth on Nov. 2, with Guardiola stressing the focus remains on upcoming Champions League and domestic fixtures.