RED HOT CURRY
SALE STAR IS ENGLAND’S MAIN MAN /PAGES 40&41
PEP Guardiola claims that Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus are the two best strikers in the world – at what they do.
Brazil striker Jesus returned from international duty – when he performed well for the Selecao – and stepped straight into the City team which won at Selhurst Park.
It proved to be the right choice by Guardiola as Jesus opened the scoring and also refused to allow Palace to settle into any kind of rhythm, to ease pressure on his team’s makeshift back four.
Aguero remained on the bench despite having a fortnight off after he was left out of the Argentina squad due to a niggling injury problem which had restricted his ability to train with City.
The 31-year-old striker is expected to return to the starting line-up for the visit of Serie A side Atalanta tonight.
And Guardiola said that each has qualities which feed into his thinking when deciding which one to pick for a certain game.
Asked how he chooses, Guardiola replied: “For the quality for themselves.
“In small spaces, Sergio is unstoppable but the reason he (didn’t play is he) stopped eight or nine days. He could play but Gabriel is in rhythm.
“One is younger, the other is older, more experienced, quality in small spaces.
“Sergio is unique in the world. Gabriel is the best striker in the world at making the high pressing.”
Jesus is likely to step down to the bench against Atalanta despite scoring in every City match in which he has started this season.
City special: Pages 45-47