‘We are all picking up the concepts of Guardiola and I am here because I know his style of play, ‘ said Nolito, who played under the manager at Barcelona, before moving on to Benfica in 2011. “If you win you deserve to, if you don’t win then you don’t deserve”.
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Vokes netted with a rasping shot in the second minute before Gray bagged his first top-flight goal with a crisp low strike from 18 meters.
Watford looked on course for its first Premier League victory over Chelsea since 1999 when Etienne Capoue smashed a left-footed shot into the top corner in the 55th. City were forced to withstand heavy Stoke pressure before two late goals from substitute Nolito sealed the victory. I am not a guy that likes to complain.
Manchester City were arguably flattered by the 4-1 scoreline at Stoke.
Stoke pushed in search of a leveller as City began to show signs of fatigue after its European exertions, but Nolito’s first Premier League goal in the closing stages – swiftly followed by a second – made the result safe and took the visitors level on points with Manchester United after two matches.
The Argentine forward doubled his tally nine minutes later, nipping ahead of Glenn Whelan to meet a sumptuous Kevin de Bruyne free kick and send a fine header across Shay Given and into the far corner of the goal.
“They are really good players with a lot of quality which they have shown here in one of the toughest places in the Premier league – at least people told me that”.
Caballero blocked Bardsley’s volley at his left-hand post to preserve the lead, before Diouf headed wide after Allen’s strong penalty appeals for a shove by Kolarov were ignored, but Stoke were given a lifeline just after the break.
With his side having scored 11 times and conceded just once from open play in those games, Guardiola admits he is delighted by the way his players have hit the ground running this season.
Victor Wanyama netted in the 83rd minute as Tottenham Hotspur beat Crystal Palace 1-0, while Everton won 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion.
Hull City became the first promoted side since Bolton Wanderers in 2001 to win their opening two matches when they triumphed 2-0 at Swansea City. This time past year the penalty wouldn’t have been awarded.
Belgian global striker Christian Benteke became Crystal Palace’s record signing Saturday as the Premier League club paid £27million ($35m) with add-ons to end his unhappy spell at rivals Liverpool.
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Following on from their impressive win at Steaua Bucharest in midweek, City were at their most fluid in the first half, with the rejuvenated Raheem Sterling again impressing.
