Pep hails his City ‘supermen’

Bournemouth – Phil Foden (above) fired Manchester City to a 1-0 win against Bournemouth as the Premier League title chasers moved within one point of leaders Liverpool on Saturday.

With Liverpool in League Cup final action against Chelsea yesterday, City took advantage to close the gap in their game in hand on Juergen Klopp’s side.

Foden netted in the first-half at Dean Court and City survived a rocky second-half to win for the 13th time in their last 14 games in all competitions.

Chasing an unprecedented fourth succesive Premier League title, Pep Guardiola’s men weren’t at their best on the south coast but displayed the resolve required to grind out a vital victory.

“Phil Foden is playing the best football I have seen from him. Everyone made a contribution and I’m really pleased,” Guardiola said.

“I don’t know how much longer we will arrive in all competitions but still, we are there. They are supermen.”

Frustrated by City’s lack of preparation time amid a hectic schedule, Guardiola added: “They had seven days to prepare for this game but we had three. There are teams who play with less recovery than the other one in the Premier League.

“In general it was unbelievable the way we defended because we needed it.

“When you don’t have recovery and the players are tired, you cannot expect to be perfect because they are human beings.”

While Liverpool remain in pole position, City are hot on their heels after extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 games since losing at Aston Villa in December.

Saluting City’s dynastic reign in the Premier League, Guardiola said: “Every three days for years, not just this season, years.

“It is difficult but they are still winning. My admiration to all the players is unbelievable.”

City head to Luton in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday before hosting Manchester United in a crucial league game next weekend.

Guardiola left Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, but City were quickly into their stride.

Live-wire Foden brought Bournemouth keeper Neto into action early before putting the visitors ahead in the 24th minute.

Haaland muscled his way into the penalty area and drilled a shot that goalkeeper Neto could only push out to Foden, who had the simple task of tapping into the empty net.