Pep Guardiola’s Premier League debut ended in victory as City beat Sunderland 2-1, but the result was overshadowed by the Coach’s decision to drop usual No 1 Joe Hart for ex-Malaga man Willy Caballero.
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City got off to the ideal start at the Etihad Stadium as Sergio Aguero buried a fourth minute penalty won by Sterling, before claiming all three points late in the tie as substitute Paddy McNair inadvertently headed into his own net – this after Jermain Defoe had scored a 71st minute equaliser. “Of course Joe can play in the next game (v Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday) but I don’t know if he will”. “These kind of things must happen to learn what we have to do better but for the first game there were so many good things”.
“We need people who stay wide, go to the byline or go inside”.
He added: “I’m very pleased about the performance we achieved”.
“In those moments we should attack quicker, but this (so far) is normal in the moment that we are in, our condition”. We have to learn.
With former Sunderland manager, Sam Allardyce now in charge of the Three Lions perhaps there is still a chance for Defoe to wear the England shirt one more time and Allardyce was present to see Defoe get his first of the season this weekend.
“I think Willy had a good pre-season – really, really good”. It’s not about tactics, it’s not about anything, and I decided today for this line-up. I have to create a team spirit.
However, despite the possibility of him playing again for his nation, Defoe just wants to “get his head down” as after all “Ssrikers get judged on scoring goals” and if he does that then Sunderland fans will call for him to be included.
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Guardiola has consistently built his teams around goalkeepers who excel with the ball at their feet; an aspect of Hart’s game which has never been a particular strength.
