It was Sunderland who were the first to threaten as they began their new era under David Moyes, with Fabio Borini’s free kick being palmed away by Wilfredo Caballero – chosen ahead of Joe Hart in the City goal – before Duncan Watmore could only loop a header onto the roof of the net moments later.
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Kone impressed for Sunderland in their season-opening defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, two days after a statement with his name on it said contract talks to stay at the Stadium of Light had fallen through.
And, while City may have required good fortune for the decisive goal – McNair heading in Jesus Navas’ cross at the back post, it provides a winning platform for Guardiola, who was lacking injured first-team players Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri, Nicolas Otamendi and new signings Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan. England goalkeeper Joe Hart was dropped in favour of Willy Caballero and there were debuts for defender John Stones after his 47.5 million pound ($62 million) move from Everton and Spain forward Nolito.
“I told my players this season will be harder than last season.
I’m just disappointed”, he said.
“This is a new country and club for the boss but we know a lot how he wants to play but its hard because we’ve only trained as a full squad for two weeks”. “They have to convince me on the pitch”.
It may take time for Guardiola’s blueprint to become fully apparent during the 38-game league season, but City’s change of approach was noticeable in the running the likes of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling did off the ball. I have a lot of respect for Joe, a lot of respect for his career. But it is Lloris’ style of football, Pep Guardiola seeks, a keeper comfortable with the ball at his feet and willing to charge off his line to join the play – these areas of weakness for Hart. “And I think this is the key of the match”. “Strangely enough when I pulled the boy yesterday he didn’t know anything about his statement”. He’s an wonderful goalkeeper, he plays for the national team and he was so important to win the two Premier League titles – the personality, the character, I know him.
“It’s not that Joe can not play or Yaya or Sami or Mangala. But I have to decide and today I decided in that way”. Asked what he had learnt about the Premier League, Guardiola said: “I realise how hard it is, definitely”.
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Sunderland enjoyed a five-minute spell of pressure at the end of the first half, in which Willy Caballero expertly denied Jermain Defoe from point-blank range.
