Guardiola said, “The relationship between Kevin and Erling is extraordinary.” “Today we tried to use it as much as possible.”
Arteta admitted the margin of defeat could have been much worse had Haaland not been kept at bay by a series of saves by Aaron Ramsdale.
Haaland finally found a way through in stoppage time, at which point he let his hair right down.
There is still work to do for City, not only to retain their title but potentially become only the second English team to complete the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in the same season.
Winning Europe for the first time remains the biggest challenge, especially with holders Real Madrid awaiting a Champions League semi-final berth.
Manchester United will also have the chance to deny their local rivals the FA Cup final equaling the historic feat achieved by Alex Ferguson’s side in the 1998/99 season.
But in this form the city will stop for a while.