Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed one player in particular and joked he was a genius after their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League last night.
Pep Guardiola lauded John Stones’ performance in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea last night (Thursday January 5, 2023) and believes the centre-back will This time he is in top form playing for the team. Riyad Mahrez’s second-half strike proved to be the difference between the two at Stamford Bridge as the Blues narrowed their gap at Premier League leaders Arsenal. Five points after Guardiola’s men stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Everton on New Year’s Day.
After the game, the manager of Manchester United City honors Stones. Which is becoming a key figure in Guardiola’s back The 28-year-old was the star of the game as Stones won all aerial duels, completed 87 passes and made four clearances. Every time throughout the UFABET game, Guardiola has nothing but praise for the defender. The Spaniard also praised Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez for their impact on the game after coming on in the second half. The duo replaced Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden, who each produced disappointing performances for the team.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We didn’t play well in the first half. I thanked Cancelo for his efforts playing in a position that was not his usual position. But we decided to use a line-up where our players can adapt on the field if they decide to play in a five-man defense. “ In the second half we were much better in every position. Big for us Riyad [Mahrez] I know the space will be there for him. He plays well one-on-one in the third zone. (Last area in front of the door)
“John Stones, he played great in the World Cup. And he can adapt perfectly to playing in the back three or out wide. He is playing at his best level. Maybe for the first time in seven years since we’ve been here together. when he plays like this Grealish’s body language is excellent whether playing or not playing. These types of people tend to play well. He was very defensive as well. We had a lot of problems in the first half, it was random, sluggish and without rhythm. But in the second half it was much better from the first minute ′′ Three points are definitely important. We have FA Cup games, Carabao Cup games and away at Old Trafford, but the key for these games is winning today. Then at Old Trafford and at Spurs. It’s important to be at the top of the league.”
Guardiola also joked that he was a ‘genius’ after two substitutions saw Manchester City continue to urge Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Chelsea were 1-0 up, taking all three points to narrow the gap at the top to five, with less than three minutes after coming on as a substitute, Jack Grealish set up the ball for Mahrez to score the game-winning goal. Guardiola had previously brought in Rico Luis and Manuel Akanji in place of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo to revitalize his side after the first half. looks without energy
“The first half was a mess,” he said. “We didn’t create many chances. Our pressing is terrible. We are poorly organized. And in the second half, especially with Manuel and Rico, we got better.” “I’m a genius. Because after (game against) Everton I was asked why I didn’t change until the 81st minute. I thought about it today and did something ′ ′ We could lose here. But now we are five points clear, we have games under three points to play, it means a lot. But we have to prove ourselves. Because it is normal to be in this position after winning four Premier League titles in five years.
“We have the idea that in November People believed we were champions. And this is not possible. City are going to be champions. league in the past five years It’s not easy to push them again. That’s why I’m satisfied after what happened in the last few years. But with Arsenal’s way of playing They deserve better, for us it is very important, especially in the second half. to realize that we can do this over and over again.”
Manchester City next play when they face Chelsea again in the FA Cup on Sunday January 8 before they travel to Southampton in the Carabao Cup. and face Manchester United in the Premier League.