CONVINCING CITY
Silvas star as ‘outstanding’ English champions cruise past Shakhtar
MANCHESTER City found their Champions League mojo as David Silva and Bernardo Silva both scored in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in Kharkiv on Tuesday, with manager Pep Guardiola hailing an “outstanding” performance.
Guardiola’s men have now won back-to-back matches in Europe after a shock opening loss to Lyon, and lead the French side by one point at the top of Group F after their thrilling 3-3 draw at Hoffenheim.
“In Europe, 0-3 — we were outstanding. We created a lot of chances,” the Spaniard told BT Sport. “It was an amazing result.”
The English champions could potentially secure a last-16 spot if they beat Shakhtar in the return match at the Etihad in a fortnight’s time as they bid for a maiden Champions League triumph.
“If we are able to win the next game Shakhtar will be out,” added Guardiola. “After our defeat in Lyon we were under pressure. I’m very pleased with our performance.
“We are together three seasons and we know each other much better. It’s normal when you have three years together you are better than the first year.”
David put City ahead on the half-hour mark, before Aymeric Laporte doubled the advantage and Bernardo scored just two minutes after coming off the bench.
Guardiola was able to give Kevin De Bruyne his first start of the season after he returned as a substitute against Burnley on Saturday following a two-month layoff with a knee injury.
City, the bookmakers’ favourites for the European crown this term, started far better than in the two previous games which had seen them beaten 2-1 at home by Lyon and need a late David winner to edge out Hoffenheim.
City goalkeeper Ederson kept out a late effort from Junior Moraes to preserve his clean sheet, as City claimed successive Champions League victories for the first time since winning their first five group-stage games last season.
“We are playing better every game,” said David Silva, who has now scored four goals this season. “We need to improve a little bit more. If we play like this we will get more points.”
City’s victory sealed Shakhtar’s first defeat in 12 matches in all competitions, leaving their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages looking bleak.
“We have to admit that City were better tonight. Much better,” conceded Shakhtar manager Paulo Fonseca. “They won in good style. Our players tried to play well and keep the ball but it was not enough to stop a team like City.”