Premier League: Despite win, Guardiola issues warning to Manchester City
Defending champions Manchester City put up a commendable shift as they triumphed Everton 3-1 in their Premier League encounter on Saturday. However, even with the second consecutive win, City are stuck on the second spot with 16 points, while Liverpool's winning streak has put them atop the table, with 21 points. Post the match, Guardiola issued a warning to his players. Here is more.
Witnessing an intense gameplay, City got the first breakthrough after Gabriel Jesus put them ahead in the 24th minute, only to be drawn level by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, nine minutes later. Notably, the second-half saw an amazing performance by City and it was in the 71st minute when Riyad Mahrez handed the visitors the lead again, and Raheem Sterling scored the final in the 84th.
Guardiola has warned that although the point difference between them and the toppers is only five, it is a lot considering the current form Liverpool are enjoying. City do have a task at hand. "We know which team we are playing right now- they are seven victories in a row, champions of Europe and playing good football," said Guardiola during the post-match press conference.
"This is our rival and we know we can't drop too many points. The season is long, we have to keep going, maybe we can push them a little bit more and try to make the third Premier League in a row," added Guardiola.
Guardiola also heaped praise on his goal-keeper Ederson, who was phenomenal against Everton. He pulled off a couple of crucial saves to help City consolidate the lead. He also credited his side for playing outstanding football, as they kept creating chances. "We were absolutely outstanding. At Goodison Park, it's always difficult- we started incredibly well, as usual, we created chances and scored," he continued.
"After that, we had a lot of problems to control out the left-side with Gylfi Sigurdsson, they had one more player there, we had a lot of problems. In the second half, except set-pieces and conceding free-kicks and long balls we played good," concluded Guardiola.
During the match, winger Theo Walcott was taken off the field after being hit with the ball on the face. However, he was immediately discharged from the hospital following scans. "He's okay, he's taking his shower and will go home to rest. He had a scan. Up to now, everything is okay. We're just waiting to speak more to the doctor," said Marco Silva.
Following the commendable win over Everton, Guardiola and his boys would shift their focus to UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, where they take on Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb in the group stages. Post their UCL commitment, they would take on 13th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Sunday.
