Five stars!
City stroll in cup
PEP Guardiola hailed Sergio Aguero’s ‘best ever’ performance – but was once again forced to launch an impassioned defence of Claudio Bravo.
On a night when City fans appeared to turn on the £15.4m goalkeeper, Guardiola declared Chilean as ‘amazing.’
While City’s attack produced another five-star show against Huddersfield, Bravo’s on-going troubles were clear to see.
He allowed Harry Bunn’s seventhminute strike to go straight under him as the Championship side took a shock lead in the FA Cup fifth round replay.
City recovered in thrilling fashion – winning 5-1, with Aguero scoring twice. But supporters vocalised their dismay at Bravo’s form since his arrival in England – ironically cheering simple saves later in the match.
On the touchline, Guardiola appeared disappointed by the reaction of the crowd.
But asked about it afterwards, he said: “The performance from Claudio was amazing. He helped us to make the build-up. He read what is the man free and he give us the continuity to play. “I am not here to judge him.” Bravo was controversially signed as Joe Hart’s replacement in the summer.
His unconvincing displays this season have called that decision into question.
But Guardiola is convinced the events at the Etihad will have little impact on the 33-year-old.
“He’s strong enough,” he said. “He’s one of the best. This year, he was named as one of the best five goalkeepers in the world.
“I’m delighted and so happy that he’s with us.
“I know I can count on him. I can count on his behaviour when he’s playing and when he’s not playing.
“He’s always involved in the team. I just congratulate him on how he played at Huddersfield and how he played today.”
Guardiola was also delighted with Aguero, whose own future has come into question following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.
“It was the best performance I have ever seen from Sergio in many, many things,” he said. “He was good with the ball, one against one, two against one. “He didn’t lose the ball in the box. “He scored two goals and made another one, created a lot of chances.
“When he plays at that level, Sergio, he is unstoppable. I’m so, so happy with the way today he played.
“I’m pretty sure he’s going to help us keep going until the end of the season.”