Pep Guardiola has hailed David Silva as one of the best players he has ever seen after the midfielder impressed on his 400th appearance for Manchester City.
The Spaniard was City’s standout performer in the 3-1 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon and Guardiola was particularly impressed with his display.
“He played incredibly well,” Guardiola told Match of the Day. “David in this kind of game – with a defence so deep and with such few spaces – is so good. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”
It was a tough physical battle for Man City but nothing the City boss wasn’t expecting and pointed to the quality of his players making the difference in the clash which saw City move to second in the table.
“It was a tough game, we knew it would be,” Guardiola added. “We have seven points. We should have nine, but it’s OK.”
Goals from Raheem Sterling and a Sergio Aguero double secured the win for City but Guardiola is looking for improvement from his players who face Brighton at the Etihad next weekend.
“There are a few things to improve that’s good that that has happened while winning games, but we knew it, every time they set up so deep 5-4-1, long balls and they are so strong with King, Wilson and Billing and set pieces with good throw-ins all the time in the boxes they are stronger than us. But, okay. The quality of our players made the difference and we won the game.”
In Other News – Liverpool 3 – 1 Arsenal
Liverpool maintained their place at the top of the Premier League and their 100% start to the season as Arsenal were well beaten at Anfield.
The Gunners, the only other side in the top flight to win their first two games, had opportunities to shock Liverpool in a tight first half, especially when record £72m signing Nicolas Pepe shot straight at keeper Adrian after running clear.
Liverpool took control when Joel Matip put them ahead with a powerful header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner four minutes before the interval. read more
