Teenage duo impress Pep with display
PEP Guardiola put his trust in teenage centrebacks Taylor HarwoodBellis and Eric Garcia on a difficult night at Oxford.
And he was rewarded with a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals as the 17-year-old Stockport stopper and 18-year-old Barcelona product helped his team to a 3-1 win.
After forming a formidable partnership in the FA Youth Cup last season, they were picked for the first team in the third round at Preston, when they starred in a 3-0 win.
And with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones still out injured, and Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho rested, they got the call again on a night of swirling wind and rain which would have been a nightmare for experienced defenders.
They came through the test with flying colours, and Guardiola afterwards pronounced himself delighted with the way they performed.
“Eric and Taylor sustained the attacks incredibly well,” he said.
“I was really impressed. With the ball they were brilliant and without the ball they defended tough situations against fast and tall players.
“They did it really well. I’m very pleased for them and congratulated them because they were extraordinary.”
Raheem Sterling handed his man of the match award to Harwood-Bellis, the youngster coping with terrible conditions underfoot as well as a lively Oxford attack.
Guardiola was glad his players stood up well to the weather as well as League One opposition.
“Really tough conditions, winter is here, we saw it in the warm up,” he said.
“Oxford are a top side, this season they played better, maybe next season we’ll be back, in cup competitions.
“It’s always tough, a lot of changes and the young players were really good.
“Zinchenko back for 90 minutes, Angelino in a position he’s not used to. A good result and now a semi-final.”