“Our high pressing was not ideal today”.
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With Sergio Aguero suspended, three players have stepped up and found the goal trail: Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Kelechi Iheanacho.
City is averaging more than three goals a game under Guardiola, who has turned the team into an irresistible attacking unit. “The Champions League is so demanding in the physical condition but especially in the head so to come back again is not easy”, he said.
He gave away the free-kick that led to City’s 15th-minute opener, De Bruyne cleverly stroking the set-piece beneath the jumping wall and into the bottom corner.
The only real negative for City was Nolito being red-carded late on for aiming an apparent headbutt at Adam Smith – a decision the Blues boss said he had no argument with.
Everton remain two points back in second place after Ronald Koeman’s side came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 3-1 at Goodison Park.
Ronald Koeman’s side concede the first goal the visitors thanks to a controversial own goal involving goal-keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Seamus Coleman also scored a well-execute goal in today’s 3-1 victory, cutting inside onto his left foot and leaving Victor Valdes stranded with a well-placed shot.
Alexis Sanchez’s double and goals from Theo Walcott and Granit Xhaka made the difference for the Gunners, who recovered from their midweek draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Arsenal on their part completely outclassed their hosts Hull City winning by a 4-1 margin in a game in which Arsene Wenger opted to start Nigerian worldwide, Alex Iwobi who gave a good account of himself.
While it began with a 4-0 Champions League qualifier win over Wisla Krakow, Barcelona lost the second leg of that tie 1-0 and then fell on the opening day of the 2008/09 La Liga season to minnows Numancia by the same scoreline. My target now is to be happy today, drink a little wine and tomorrow prepare the game and of course we are going to try to win our League Cup game. We need that humble attitude.
Liverpool and Chelsea also trail City by five points following the Merseyside club’s impressive 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Friday.
The goal was no less than City deserve for a completely dominant display. “There’s not a lot that changes in the game and that’s a good sign for the manager and the players and we’re really happy to have this quality on the squad”.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said he felt “embarrassed” during this third straight loss – and second straight 4-2 defeat – for his team.
