Pep Guardiola has spoken of his relegation concerns, suggesting that if his Manchester City side continued to play like their first half display against Aston Villa, they would be going down.
It was a tough first 45 minutes for City with Villa holding them to a draw at half time, before goals from Raheem Sterling (46′), Kevin De Bruyne (65′) and Ilkay Gundogan (69′) confirmed a victory for the hosts.
It means they move to within three points of Liverpool who play Tottenham this afternoon but Guardiola of course is still unsatisfied.
Guardiola told a news conference: “Six days ago we were eight points [behind Liverpool] now we are three.
“I am not concerned about the table. I am concerned about the way we played.
“If we play the level we played in the second half, we can be there at the end of the season I am sure of that.
“If we play the way we did in the first half, we will be in the relegation positions far away from the leaders of the table. That is my view. Not just this season but all the time.”
Villa’s four-match unbeaten run ended but captain Jack Grealish, who left the stadium on crutches after suffering a calf injury, got rave reviews from Pep.
“He is incredible, incredible player, top player.
“I am happy for the fact he is an Aston Villa player and he got offers to move on but decided to stay there in the Championship.
“I like that they were promoted to the Premier League and defend his club.
“He is a talented player — fast in the final third, passes, always creates something. He’s an exceptional player but too expensive for Manchester City!”
Pep Guardiola on Jack Grealish. #avfc pic.twitter.com/lW7liwWqLX
— villareport (@villareport) October 26, 2019
After reading what Pep said about City’s performance against Villa as well as his thoughts on Jack Grealish, fans took to give their reaction – see what they made of it on the next page.
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