Pep Guardiola

Manchester City record biggest-ever top-flight victory against Watford

September 21, 2019 by Tony Bugby

MAN CITY 8, WATFORD 0

Ruthless Manchester City marked their 125^th anniversary with a record top-flight victory as they put eight goals past hapless Watford.

It was an afternoon when Watford suffered their heaviest defeat in English football as City exorcised the demons from last Saturday’s shock defeat at Norwich City.

The match was the closest to the 125^th birthday and City weren’t going to slip up from the moment David Silva scored after 52 seconds, the quickest Premier League goal this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side was 5-0 ahead inside 18 minutes, the quickest side to reach that mark in the Premier League era.

Bernardo Silva scored the first hat-trick of his career as he was one of six different scorers, the third time that had happened in the Premier League era.

What a pity they just failed to equal the Premier League record 9-0 scoreline set by Manchester United against Ipswich Town in 1995.

City were so close as they were also denied three times by the woodwork in a game in which they had 28 goal attempts with 11 on target.

Watford will be glad to see the back of City as since May 2017 they have lost 5-0, 6-0 twice and 8-0 against them.

And since Watford’s last win against City in 1989, City have won 15 and drawn two of their 17 meetings.

This was City’s 12^th straight victory against Watford with that impressive sequence producing 46 goals.

Pep says Man City treated Watford respectfully by scoring 8 goals to thrash them in the Premier League game played at the Etihad on Saturday, September 21, 2019.

Guardiola was delighted with the way his side didn’t ease up when 5-0 ahead so early in the game.

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He said: “It was weird and not normal to have five shoots and score five goals, but we gave them (Watford) two chances which they might have scored on another day.

“We were ruthless scoring five goals when sometimes you might do 25 or 50 shots and don’t score.

“After the Champions League and a huge trip, we had not time to prepare. It was a lovely day for us and the City fans in the sunshine.

“When it is 5-0 it is normal for players not to deliver and play their own game. We were more aggressive in the second half and pressed high.

“In the second half we were more than decent and played well. That’s what I liked.”

Quique Sanchez Flores says “sorry” to Watford fans after the 8-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2019

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores apologised to the club’s fans saying they knew after 30 seconds how difficult it would be adding the match was “done” after five minutes.

City made four changes from the side that won 3-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk in their midweek Champions League game.

Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko were rested after playing every minute of every match while Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan also missed out.

There were recalls for Aguero, Benjamin Mendy and the two Silvas.

City made an electrifying start taking the lead after only 52 seconds when Kevin De Bruyne fired over a teasing cross that was converted by David Silva from three yards, an easy tap-in for the fastest Premier League goal of the season.

Watford came close to equalising in the fourth minute when Gerard Deulofeu broke free from Nicolas Otamendi only to see goalkeeper Ederson deflect his shot for a corner.

City went 2-0 ahead in the seventh minute after winning a penalty when Mahrez was brought down by keeper Ben Foster.

Aguero scored from the spot, his 100^th goal at the Etihad and he has scored in all six league games this season, the first player to do this in Premier League history.

City added a third goal in the 12^th minute after Abdoulaye Doucoure fouled Mahrez on the edge of the box.

The former Leicester City player picked himself up to score with the help of a wicked deflection off Tom Cleverley.

City were 4-0 ahead inside the opening quarter of an hour when De Bruyne’s corner was headed on Aguero for Bernardo Silva to nod home from inside five years.

And City added a fifth in the 18^th minute when David Silva’s quickly-taken free kick released Aguero on the left and his low cross was converted by Otamendi who slid in unmarked at the far post.

Aguero had three chances in the remainder of the opening half to add a sixth goal, shooting narrowly wide when clean through, striking an upright with another well-struck effort and finally having a close-range header palmed out by Foster.

City made a change at the break with Angelino replacing Mendy at left-back.

The elusive sixth goal came three minutes after the restart after Watford failed to clear danger.

David Silva threaded a pass to Bernardo Silva who cut inside Crag Dawson before rolling a low shot past Foster.

City made a second substitution in the 54^th minute when Kyle Walker made way for Joao Cancelo as the summer signing made his debut at the Etihad.

Aguero almost made it seven firing agonisingly wide from a Mahrez cut back as City continued to dominate.

Bernardo Silva completed his first City hat-trick on the hour stabbing the ball home from a couple of yards following a cross from De Bruyne.

Guardiola made his last change in the 63^rd minute when Eric Garcia replaced Otamendi as the centre back made his Premier League debut.

City struck the woodwork for a third time when Mahrez headed against the bar from an Angelino cross.

De Bruyne made it 8-0 with a stunning strike in the 85^th minute. Released by Mahrez, the Belgium cut in from the left of the penalty area before thundering an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

De Bruyne ought to have equalled Manchester United’s 9-0 Premier League record score when he wriggled free but dragged his shot narrowly wide.

But try as they did, City just could not conjure that ninth goal as the record score remains at Old Trafford.

John Stones injury blow leaves Nicolas Otamendi as Manchester City’s sole fit senior central defender

September 17, 2019 by Paul Chan

Nicolas Otamendi is now Manchester City’s only fit senior central defender after Pep Guardiola revealed that John Stones has is out for up to six weeks.

Guardiola said: “John Stones was injured this morning. He will be out for 4, 5, 6 weeks. The problem is muscular.

“It’s a big challenge for me as a manager, with just one central defender, Nico [Otamendi].”

Injury to Aymeric Laporte and a humbling 3-2 defeat at Norwich City have been followed by a muscular injury to Stones.

There had already been talk of how City might reshuffle to cover for Vincent Kompany once it became clear that main central defence target Harry Maguire was not going to join.

This came to the forefront once Laporte, who will be missing with a serious knee injury until the new year, was joined on the sidelines by Stones who might not be available until late October.

But Guardiola refused to be downbeat about the injury blow and was will now look to bring forward contingency plans to face another big injury challenge.

“Fernandinho, and maybe Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis will come forward for the next few months.

“What we will not do is complain. We will have 11 players on the pitch.”

Kyle Walker to be an emergency centre back for Manchester City?

What are Pep Guardiola’s options in central defence with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones injured?

Defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea in the Champions League won’t have affected Guardiola’s plan to get Champions League points on the board, especially after the Norwich reverse at the weekend.

He will target three points and a convincing win to get the club back to winning ways as well as off to a good start in this term’s Champions League.

Fernandinho has been training as a central defender since he returned to the squad in pre-season and will probably become the short term simplest solution for City.

It’s likely that one or both of Eric Garcia (18), and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (17), will become regulars on City’s bench.

And with Joao Cancelo raring to go at right back, Kyle Walker could still be an option as a centre half.

With inexperienced central defensive options at play, City could switch to a back three which could further suit Benjamin Mendy and Cancelo as attacking wing-backs and offer further defensive insurance.

A tactical switch would then see Walker joining Fernandinho and Otamendi as a three man back line which could also offer chances to Garcia and Harwood-Bellis.

Aymeric Laporte injury may mean a tactical switch for Kyle Walker to centre half

September 1, 2019 by Paul Chan

Manchester City right back Kyle Walker may have some extra training at the City Football Academy to keep him busy during the international break after boss Pep Guardiola mentioned a tactical switch option with Aymeric Laporte out injured.

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Guardiola has mentioned Walker as a possible option at centre half for Manchester City after an injury to Laporte in the Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Brighton on Saturday, August 31, 2019.

Guardiola said he was “sad and concerned” by injuries to Laporte and Leroy Sane but reiterated that he and the club would “move forward.”

Having already explained that budgetary reasons prevented a move for Leicester City’s Harry Maguire – who has since moved on to rivals Manchester United – Pep used fit-again Fernandinho as stand-in centre half after Laporte went off after injuring his knee against the Seagulls.

The Brazilian executed a goal line header to prevent Leandro Trossard from pulling a goal back but Guardiola also mentioned that he’s not the only option to fill the gaps at centre back.

John Stones is expected to return from a thigh injury for the game against Norwich City after the International break – alongside veteran central defender Nicolas Otamendi.

And as well as Fernandinho, Guardiola mentioned that he could call upon academy players Eric Garcia (who was capped by Spain’s U21 side recently), and highly rated local prospect Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Could Kyle Walker switch to central defence with Aymeric Laporte out injured?

In addition to the youngsters who could now find themselves on the bench while Laporte recovers Guardiola added a surprise option at centre half – Kyle Walker.

Walker, who was dropped by Gareth Southgate for England’s forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo, has already been used as a right sided centre half by the England manager and now has two weeks in which to receive training with Guardiola if required.

If Walker, who has been in good form this season, is used as a centre half against Norwich on September 14 it could mean a first start for Joao Cancelo, who came on briefly at Bournemouth.

He has already praised Fabian Delph, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fernandinho for their tactical awareness and flexibility in filling into unfamiliar roles during injury crises so could Walker be the latest player to fill in during a City’s time of need?

Goal machine Sergio Aguero leads way in Manchester City’s home win against Brighton

August 31, 2019 by Tony Bugby

MAN CITY 4, BRIGHTON 0

It was a routine day at the office for Manchester City as they overpowered brave Brighton to temporarily regain top spot in the Premier League.

Two goals for Sergio Aguero – that’s an incredible 237 in 342 appearances – and one apiece for Kevin De Bruyne and substitute Bernardo Silva made it 10 points from a possible 12 at the start of their league campaign.

Since last December’s home defeat by Crystal Palace, City have collected 52 points from a possible 54 at their Etihad fortress.

City were never troubled, though Brighton had a creditable 46 per cent possession, and with more clinical finishing could have won by twice the margin.

The only dampener was a serious knee injury sustained by centre-back Aymeric Laporte with manager Pep Guardiola admitting it does not look good and he will probably be out for some time.

With Vincent Kompany leaving and John Stones injured, Guardiola was forced to play midfielder Fernandinho at centre back as he has previously done on a couple of occasions.

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“He is intelligent, fast, strong, a strong header and he can play in both positions,” he said of the Brazilian.

Guardiola admitted it was a tougher game than the 4-0 scoreline suggested as he praised Brighton’s adventurous approach.

He said: “Brighton created more chances than those teams that have come here, defended and still lost 4-0.

“As a Brighton spectator they came to play and had two or three clear chances. If they had scored when it was 2-0 it might have been a different game.”

Guardiola added he was lucky to have “incredible players up front who make a difference”.

Pep Guardiola on Aymeric Laporte injury latest following Manchester City’s 4-0 win against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, August 31, 2019

City’s manager also praised Aguero saying he knew from day one he was a special talent.

“We need his goals and he helps up a lot with his goals. And when he does not score, you cannot fault his commitment. He is the sort of player who will die scoring goals,” he joked.

Graham Potter on his Brighton side’s performance at Manchester City on Saturday, August 31, 2019

City, whose players and Guardiola wore black arm bands in memory of the nine-year-old daughter of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, who died of cancer, made two changes from the side that won 3-1 at Bournemouth as they faced another South Coast side.

There were recalls for Riyad Mahrez and Rodrigo as Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan lost out.

Brighton handed a debut to new £20 million centre back Adam Webster, a summer signing from Bristol City.

City took only 69 seconds to take the lead when De Bruyne made the breakthrough.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and David Silva linked on the left and the latter’s cut back was converted by De Bruyne who was free eight yards out.

It set a new club record of scoring in 26 consecutive league matches.

De Bruyne saw a drive flash just wide of the upright and David Silva shot off target from inside the six-yard box as City continued to dominate as Brighton found it hard to combat their high press.

Laporte left the field on a stretcher after injuring his right knee. He came off worst after a hefty challenge on Webster for which he was booked to add insult to injury.

Laporte was replaced by midfielder Fernandinho who slotted into the centre of defence.

De Bruyne provided the assist for City’s second goal in the 42^nd minute with a cross from the right which Aguero, who cut inside, fired high into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

Brighton’s best first-half chance came following a 4 v 3 break which ended with Leandro Trossard’s shot well blocked by Ederson.

Trossard has a great chance to half the deficit early in the second half, but his goalbound shot was headed cleared by Fernandinho.

Aguero showed how it ought to be done as he scored his second and City’s third goal in the 55^th minute and his sixth in the first four league games.

Zinchenko and David Silva linked and Aguero curled a delightful effort into the top corner from 18 yards, his seven goal from his last seven on-target shots.

City had further chance to extend their lead as Raheem Sterling deflected Aguero’s shot narrowly wide and De Bruyne volleyed over.

Guardiola made a second change with 20 minutes left when De Bruyne was replaced by Gundogan.

And the third and final change in the 78^th minute paid immediate dividends when Bernardo Silva, who replaced namesake David, scored with his first touch having been on the field for only 17 seconds.

Aguero provided the assist with a delightful reverse pass and Bernardo Silva slotted the ball low to the left of goalkeeper Matt Ryan.

Manchester City denied injury-time winner against Spurs as VAR rules out Gabriel Jesus goal

August 17, 2019 by Tony Bugby

MAN CITY 2, TOTTENHAM 2

Manchester City were denied a dramatic injury-time winner as substitute Gabriel Jesus’ goal was ruled out after VAR was used for the one and only time against Tottenham.

The match official based at Stockley Park ruled the ball had brushed the arm of City defender Aymeric Laporte before it reached Jesus.

It was a hugely controversial call as Spurs’ players did not appeal and City thought they had clinched a 16^th straight Premier League victory as they closed in on their own league record of 18.

City must still be wondering how they failed to win after they had an incredible 30 goal attempts to Spurs’ three.

They twice held the lead through Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero only each time to be pegged back by Erik Lamela and substitute Lucas Moura.

It was an enthralling game which had everything, even a spat between Pep Guardiola and Aguero after the striker was substituted and which was witnessed by a global audience as was the kiss and make up after what appeared a match-winning goal from Jesus.

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Guardiola praised his players, declaring: “The way we played was incredible and it was one of the best games in my time here.

“People may say we can play better but I don’t see how we can play better against the second best team in Europe and restricted them to two chances.

“It is just the beginning (of the season) and if we continue to play that way, we will have no regrets.”

Pep Guardiola on the latest VAR decision against his Man City side in their game against Spurs on Saturday August 17, 2019

Guardiola was frustrated by the inconsistencies of VAR after he claimed his side ought to been awarded a first-half penalty when Lamela appeared to wrestle Rodrigo to the ground.

“VAR was taking a coffee,” he joked while also referring to the goal scored by Fernando Llorente in last season’s Champions League quarter final which also brushed his arm.”

And of his spat with Aguero, Guardiola described emotion as being part of the game.

“I love him a lot. I know his feelings are a part of his performances.”

Mauricio Pochettino reacts to VAR advantage for Spurs again at Man City in the Premier League match played at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, August 17, 2019

Spurs’ manager Mauricio Pochettino praised the spirit of his side, saying: “I am pleased with the way we came back after twice falling behind.

“I happy with that, but we still need to improve. We will take a lot of confidence from a result like this.”

City made four changes from the side that started the season so well at West Ham.

John Stones was ruled out through a thigh strain while David Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Jesus also lost their places.

There were recalls for Nicolas Otamendi in defence, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield and Aguero up front.

Spurs had Son Heung-min and Serge Aurier suspended while Dele Alli was injured.

City made a bright start in which Sterling had a goalbound shot blocked by Kyle Walker-Peters while a penalty appeal was rejected after Lamela appeared to wrestle Rodrigo to the ground.

And it was no surprise when they made a 20^th minute breakthrough as Sterling scored his fourth goal of the season.

He stole in at the far post to head Kevin De Bruyne’s cross back across the face of goal from three yards, a well-executed goal.

It was his seventh goal in his last four games in all competitions and Sterling also became one of only four players in Premier League history to score four goals in the first two league games of the season.

City were still celebrating when Lamela equalised three minutes later, curling an exquisite low shot from 25 yards low to the right of Ederson.

In what was become a pulsating encounter, City regained the lead in the 35^th minute when Aguero, lurking at the near post, got on the end of a low cross from De Bruyne, flicking it low beyond goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. It was his 11^th goal in 15 Premier League appearances against Spurs.

City ought to have added a third goal towards the end of the half when Ilkay Gundogan shot agonisingly wide from a De Bruyne cross.

Oleksandr Zinchenko had terrific efforts either side of the break which again could have extended City’s lead but for Lloris’ alertness.

De Bruyne also fired wide and Aguero over while Bernardo Silva had an effort saved as City were in total command carving out chances at ease.

Spurs brought on Moura for Harry Winks in the 56^th minute and he scored with his first touch after 15 seconds heading home Lamela’s corner which looped over Ederson, a dramatic introduction.

City’s response after being pegged back for a second time was furious as Rodrigo forced a great save from Lloris, Bernardo Silva’s lob hit the bar and Otamendi’s header was cleared off the line by Danny Rose.

City made their first change mid-half when Aguero was replaced by Jesus and the striker and manager had an angry exchange in which assistant Mikel Arteta had to intervene as peacemaker.

And the second and third changes soon followed as David Silva and Mahrez came on for Rodrigo and Bernardo Silva.

There was drama in the second of four added minutes when City thought they had won the game.

Laporte looked to have headed on De Bruyne’s corner for Jesus to rifle home a close-range shot.

There were no appeals only for VAR to intervene for the first time in the match as it was ruled the ball had brushed the arm of Laporte to the dismay of City and their supporters.

And on the touchline there were incredible scenes when the ball hit the net as Aguero raced from the bench to embrace Guardiola as they had a lengthy reconcillation not long after their spat.

City will still be wondering how they did not win as they had an amazing 30 goal attempts to Spurs’ three and played some sumptuous football, but lacked a clinical cutting edge. That’s the beauty of the game or in City’s case frustration.