PEP TIME KEEPS CITY TICKING
Silva late show as run goes on
PEP GUARDIOLA hailed his Manchester City side for inheriting “Fergie time” after they came from behind to beat West Ham.
The City boss is delighted with his side for replicating the late-goal heroics of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous trophywinning Manchester United teams.
David Silva scored an 83rd-minute winner as the Premier League leaders restored their eight-point advantage yesterday over United.
It was the fourth game in a row Guardiola’s side have grabbed a last-gasp winner as their title charge continued with their record-equalling 13th straight league win in a single season.
He said: “I heard about the Fergie time. I was not here in that period but, of course, you have to have that.
“If we can take something about the Fergie time, it is welcome, a pleasure. At
the end what we show in the last games is we never give up.
“The opponent doesn’t want to play. They just want to defend, waiting for a moment. I understand. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not judging, but it is difficult.”
West Ham boss David Moyes does not believe his Hammers side will be in a relegation battle and was buoyed by their performance, even in defeat.
Moyes has one point from four games and the Hammers, who have not won in the league since September, face Chelsea and Arsenal next.
The Scot said: “I always think we will get away. I don’t think we will be in trouble. We have a good team, good players. The effort and energy of the players will give us a chance.”
Guardiola was also asked about United midfielder Paul Pogba’s controversial comments about wanting City players to get injured ahead of next weekend’s derby.
Pogba misses the Old Trafford clash on Sunday after getting a red card in United’s win at Arsenal.
Guardiola said: “I would like Paul to play. I like to face the team with the best players possible, to see if it is possible to beat them. But I think at the end, it was an expression.
“I am pretty sure he doesn’t want other players to get injured.”
City defender John Stones hopes to return from his hamstring injury just after Christmas.