Sunderland made City work for their victory and defeat was harsh after Defoe’s leveller but Moyes was pleased with his players’ application.
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But there was no goal rush in its wake as a Sunderland side under new manager David Moyes defended with determination and discipline at Etihad Stadium.
“A lot of the time it was fingers crossed to make sure that we had enough players to get out onto this field today”, Phelan said.
The second choice Willy Caballero was preferred to the England goalkeeper as Guardiola feels Hart doesn’t fit in with the style he wants to implement at City. But in the end I have a squad and I decide what I see.
“At Barcelona and Bayern Muncih I wanted to change the line up because always I want to involve, I want to create something where everyone is involved”. “Today I chose this line up but that doesn’t mean they won’t play in the future”.
New manager Pep Guardiola caused a pre-match stir by plumping for the Argentine ahead of Hart, seemingly confirming the impression that he is unconvinced by the England international’s ability to help build attacks with passes to his defenders. “Coming off the Euros and some high-profile mistakes, he has to suck it up, be professional and get himself going again”.
“Normally I have a good staff”.
Moyes said: “I expect him to stay”. Sammy arrived a little bit [overweight] but the last one week, two weeks he is training fantastic, so I am really impressed with the quality of Sammy. So I am really impressed with the quality of Sammy.
His team certainly got off to a flawless start, with Raheem Sterling winning a penalty that was converted by Sergio Aguero after only four minutes.
However, City substitute Jesus Navas fired in a risky cross in the 87th minute that fellow replacement Paddy McNair was unfortunate to put through his own goal.
Guardiola praised winger Raheem Sterling for his performance.
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“I am the guy who takes the decision and I am not afraid of that”, said Guardiola who was unable to find a place in his matchday squad for Yaya Toure, Eliaquim Mangala or Samir Nasri. He added Hart could easily return in the Champions League play-off at Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday.
