Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Aguero and Bravo still important — Guardiola
PEP Guardiola’s vision of Manchester City’s future may have left Sergio Aguero and Claudio Bravo wondering how they will return to the starting XI.
Error-prone keeper Bravo was surprisingly dropped by Guardiola in favour of Willy Caballero for last night’s trip to West Ham.
And Aguero also started on the bench as teenage Brazilian Gabriel Jesus inspired City to a thumping 4-0 win.
“Last night Caballero was the first choice,” said Guardiola. “I will sleep well and decide in the future.
“Was it a difficult decision? Yes, it was difficult.
“Sergio remains an important player for us. I make decisions with my staff, depending on performances in the past.
“I’m a guy who likes to involve as many players as possible. In this crazy calendar it’s impossible to play with the same guys. I try to be fair with my decisions.”
The City boss was certainly vindicated as £27 million new-boy Jesus gave West Ham the runaround on his full Premier League debut.
The 19-year-old, forming part a youthful three-pronged attack with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, set up Kevin De Bruyne’s opener after a mistake by Aaron Cresswell.
David Silva tapped in the second from Sane’s cross and Jesus grabbed the goal his display deserved before half-time after being teed up by Sterling.
“He’s 19 but he’s already a striker for Brazil,” added Guardiola.
“He attacks the goal, he wants to score. The prospect was good, a young player with good talent.”
Yaya Toure wrapped up the victory with a second-half penalty.