Pellegrini was happy to fill in the blanks for his opposite number, stating that his faith in Iheanacho’s ability was a factor in him allowing frontline striker Edin Dzeko to join Roma during the close-season.
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He was delighted to see the fans reaction when he scored, describing them as “going crazy”, as he explained that it “meant so much” for him to get his first goal.
“I thought it went well”, he said, discussing his return to the first-team.
Credit for the goal also belongs to Samir Nasri, who made the most of his chance to play a rare 90 minute shift in a Manchester City shirt. “It was important he took that chance”.
Sergio Aguero was forced off early in the first half after a strong challenge from Scott Dann, and he was replaced by their new midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. “We are just thinking about the present and the present now is to think about Juventus”, he said.
Pellegrini was planning on making the substitution before since Bony had only been with the team just a few days, but he told him he was okay.
The feud was revived in the 26th minute when Pardew was furious and entered Pellegrini’s technical area to protest about a challenge by Yaya Toure on James McArthur. After the match, Pardew said he was heated over the tackle and went past Manuel’s side. If a big wave is coming your way, get on it – in life you have to do that and this is a great opportunity for us, but I still think there is a reality in my team.
Manchester City lead the way with 15 points, five clear of second-placed United and Arsenal, who are third after beating Stoke City 2-0, and 11 ahead of struggling Chelsea.
Having matched City we move onto “and look forward to the next game” as we look to maintain that incredible away form under Alan Pardew!
Nemanja Matic pulled a goal back for Chelsea with a long-distance effort in the 36th but Naismith put the result beyond doubt by squeezing an angled shot through the legs of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in the 82nd. “It’s an important gap”.
Founded by Edmund Goodman in 1905, they were then known as “the Glaziers”, but it would be 85 years before they enjoyed their most successful season.
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Defeat came as a blow to Palace who started the day in second place following their recent shock victory at Chelsea.
