Fans have a theory behind Pep Guardiola subbing off Erling Haaland after insane five-goal haul

Fans are all saying the same thing after Erling Haaland smashed in an insane FIVE goals for Manchester City in the 6-0 hammering of RB Leipzig.

With the score 1-1 going into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland scored a scintillating first-half hat-trick to completely kill the tie after a devastating performance.

But the Norwegian goal machine was hungry for more goals and after Ilkay Gundogan got in on the act, Haaland helped himself to another two, providing clinical finishes with either foot after rebounds.

It took him to 39 for the season - meaning he has broken the previous record for goals scored by a City player in a single season.

Yet he missed out on the chance to achieve another special milestone after Pep Guardiola substituted him in the 64th minute and showed some mercy towards Leipzig.

Julian Alvarez entered the fray but Haaland was denied the chance to score his sixth and register a rare double hat-trick.

He was clearly disappointed with the decision as he wanted to make even more history.

No player has ever scored six goals in a single Champions League. Haaland was in a great position to change that but fans reckon Guardiola hooked him to protect Lionel Messi's record.

In 2012, Messi hit five in a masterclass against Bayer Leverkusen at the Nou Camp when Guardiola was in charge.

Image: PA

One commented: "Pep subbed off haaland so he doesn’t break messis record lol."

Another said: "Pep subbed off Haaland because he didn't want him to break Messi's record, fairs."

A third agreed: "Pep, you've got blood on your hands for preventing Haaland from breaking Messi's CL record."

A fourth user weighed in: "Pep taking Haaland off in the 60th minute when he had 5 goals to stop him from breaking Messi's record. What a man."

A fifth had the exact same thought, writing: "Pep didn’t want Haaland to break Messi’s record. He’s the biggest Messi fan boy ever."

A sixth added: "No way Pep subbed off Haaland to protect Messi’s record."

City scored another one to make it 7-0 on the night and 8-1 on aggregate, with Kevin De Bruyne curling in an unstoppable strike to cap off a sublime display.

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Erling Haaland

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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