Erling Haaland called on Manchester City to become more ruthless after twice being pegged back before beating RB Leipzig 3-2 on Wednesday.

Haaland scored a 78th-minute winner as City finally saw off the German side in their Champions League league phase clash at the Red Bull Arena.

Haaland felt City should have been more aggressive and killed the game off much earlier.

“I think we need to step up a little bit,” the Norwegian told TNT Sports. “I think when we were 1-0, I think we needed to push forward a bit more to go at it, go for the second and then hopefully go for the third.

“That’s what we have to do as a club. We have to work on that.”

Asked what areas the team could improve, Haaland added: “I think keeping the ball, when to keep it, when to go, working together, both offensively, defensively. Lots of different things.

“That’s the good part, you can always get better, and there’s always a new chance, and now there will be a new game in three days, so that’s lovely.”

City led after a Castello Lukeba own goal before half-time but that was cancelled out early in the second period by Ridle Baku.

Enzo Fernandez restored City’s lead but the impressive Antonio Nusa equalised again for Leipzig.

Haaland had a quiet night until arriving at the back post to slide in the winner from Elliot Anderson’s superb ball. It was just his 13th touch of the game.

He said: “It’s not the most but what is the most important is I help the team to win, and I managed to do that, so I’m super happy.”

It was Haaland’s 14th goal of the season and a 13th in nine career appearances against Leipzig for the former Borussia Dortmund striker.

He said: “I think it’s the most I’ve scored against a club because I’ve played so many times against them.

“As well in the Champions League with City every year I was in Dortmund as well. Leipzig are a good team, so I’m super happy about that.”

Manager Enzo Maresca was pleased with his players’ response after Saturday’s loss to Brighton, which was their second in succession in the Premier League.

Maresca said: “I’m happy with the win. That is important, especially after a defeat.

“I think part of the game we controlled quite well, creating many chances. Then for some moments, we struggled a little bit but that’s normal, it’s a Champions League game. It’s Germany away.

“It’s always difficult, so we’re happy with the win.”