Guardiola Takes Blame For Haaland's Mini Goal Drought

Such is the high standards Haaland has set for himself that going three straight games without a goal has been a cause for concern.

Haaland has also not had a shot on target in those games against Chelsea, Southampton and Manchester United.

Haaland has scored 27 goals in 24 games across all competitions since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

After firing blanks in three consecutive matches, Guardiola says it is up to him to get Haaland banging in the goals again.

"We have our game, we have our principles but the way we played in last two games didn't help Erling to score," Guardiola said.

"In the build-up you can be wider, but in the final third you have to have players in the middle. If Erling is not there, we are not going to score goals.

"In the past we have always had incredible movements in the final third, in the small spaces. Now, in the last two games, we haven't had it. 

"I would say it was my fault. I didn't make them understand the way we have to attack. We need runners, not just Erling. 

"If we had just Erling he would be controlled by two or three central defenders. We need more players in those positions, definitely. We have done it. We have to do it more often."

Man City find themselves eight points behind leaders Arsenal ahead of hosting Tottenham Hotspurs on Thursday and Guardiola is relishing the challenge of trying to overhaul the Gunners.

"I prefer to be eight points in front but I like to handle this situation, I love it," Guardiola added. "I have to find something to make the team better. I'm the man responsible. 

"When the players don't play good, if they don't have the desire to do it, it is because something is wrong in my decisions. We have to find it.

"People don't think about the memories, how good we were. When I die, people will talk about how good Pep was. That's for sure.

"But since we are here, people expect us to perform well, win the games and try to find the way. Otherwise – Pep out.

"This is how our jobs work – and I want Pep in! I want to stay here, this is what I want, and for that we have to win games and be there in all the competitions."