Revealed: Why Erling Haaland was replaced at half-time for Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has revealed why Erling Haaland was substituted at half-time against FC Copenhagen. 

The Norwegian continued his incredible start to life at Manchester City with two goals in the first-half at the Etihad Stadium. 

Haaland took his goal tally for the season to 19, as City thrashed FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. 

After giving the Blues the lead with a thumping finish in the seventh minute, Haaland doubled City’s lead from close range just after half an hour.

Sergio Gomez extended City’s winning margin with a deflected effort just before half-time. 

In the second-half, Riyad Mahrez marked his 200th appearance with his first goal in 13 matches from the penalty spot.

Julian Alvarez sealed an enjoyable evening for the Sky Blues with his first Champions League goal in the 76th minute, finishing off a swift City move.

Following Wednesday’s win, City could now secure qualification for the knockout stages in Copenhagen next week. 

After being replaced at half-time, Manchester City supporters were quick to worry why the 22 year-old had been swapped for Cole Palmer.

Jack Gaughan revealed midway through the second-half that Haaland was not taken off at half-time due to an injury.

Journalist Arilas Ould-Saada reported that the reason for the striker being taken off was 'tactical'.

City boss Pep Guardiola also confirmed that the 22 year-old in-form forward had not suffered an injury.

"He played a lot of minutes. Cole Palmer is a top class player who I am looking forward to seeing play," said Guardiola.

"Erling scored goals and after that it is better to rest. I want to be honest, Erling wants the same as all of us, to win the game. 

"He made the hat-tricks to win the games. We need everyone involved. Rico played, 17 years-old."

Rico Lewis and Josh Wilson-Esbrand both featured from the bench for the Blues, as City cruised to victory at the Etihad Stadium.

After marking his first Manchester Derby with a hat-trick on Sunday, the former Borussia Dortmund star continued his incredible goalscoring run in Europe.

Haaland has now scored in nine consecutive appearances for Manchester City.