Erling Haaland hinted that relaxation over the festive period helped Manchester City to finally end their winless run of form.
Haaland netted his side’s second of the day in a 2-0 win at Leicester, their first victory since the beginning of December.
City had gone five matches without a win in all competitions prior to their final fixture of 2024 in what has been an unprecedented run under Pep Guardiola’s management.
Haaland ended a poor period of form of his own by netting at the King Power Stadium as he previously went four without scoring.
His struggles in front of goal have been just one of a number of reasons that City have suffered such a dramatic collapse this season.
However, the Norwegian star has revealed in an interview with talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface the key to remaining positive despite them losing nine of their last 14 matches.
“It’s easy and it’s difficult to say this but it’s our job,” he said after the win at the King Power Stadium.
“We live with this job but it’s also important to… You go on a job and you go home, you relax, it’s an important thing and it’s the most difficult thing because you care so much about it and all you want to do is win.
“But it’s important to still rest your mind and stay positive and look around you, look at the people around you, your family and everyone and still enjoy Christmas even though we lose a game.
“I know it’s difficult but it’s important to do, and to keep going. That’s what we did today, we won and everything and super happy.”
City’s win at Leicester has not only sent them up to fifth but also seen them hit a unique record in the Premier League.
It’s the first time they have won five consecutive games away from home in the competition without conceding a goal.
Their previous four trips to Leicester in the Premier League ended in three 1-0 wins and one 2-0 win.
Savinho opened the scoring for City with 21 minutes played by firing in after a parried save from Foxes goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.
Jamie Vardy had an excellent chance to equalise midway through the second half but sent his close-range effort over the bar.
City punished the hosts just moments later when Haaland headed in from Savinho’s cross to ensure all three points.
Haaland’s goal tally for the season now sits at 19 in all competitions, with 14 of those coming in the Premier League.
He and his City teammates don’t play again until January 4 when they host West Ham knowing another win could revitalise their season.