Harry Diamond
Pep Guardiola says he was impressed with Manchester City’s ‘transitions’ as the champions moved back up to second in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory at Burnley on Tuesday night.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice in what was an impressive performance for Man City at Turf Moor, with further goals from Rodri and Riyad Mahrez sealing victory and moving the club to within eight points of league leaders Liverpool.
Victory returned City back to winning ways following their draw at Newcastle last weekend and Guardiola admits he was pleased with his side’s display, reserving special praise for Jesus following the Brazilian forward’s clinical brace.
“We played good and didn’t concede much. The transitions and the space we found was good,” Guardiola told Amazon.
“The goals scored were really good, incredible crosses and finishing.
“We need Gabriel Jesus, strikers are there to score goals and we need him. Strikers like him and Sergio Aguero live for goals.
“It’s not easy to replace Sergio but the team doesn’t have doubts about Jesus. The quality of the strikers make the difference.”
Guardiola also praised the performance of summer signing Rodri, the 23-year-old putting in an assured performance at the base of the City midfield and capping a fine display with a thumping drive for his second goal of the season.
“He was incredible,” Guardiola said. “His transitions are so clever. He’s so young and his physicality is great. He wants to learn and he’s ready and that’s why we can always count on him.”
The Premier League champions have now moved above Leicester into second ahead of their clash with Watford tomorrow, and next face a Manchester derby meeting with Manchester United at the Etihad on Saturday evening.
Read – Rodri praises ‘fantastic’ Gabriel Jesus as brace moves Man City eight points behind Liverpool
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