HAPPY 21ST!

Run goes on for Blues

PEP Guardiola has hailed Gabriel Jesus as City’s hidden hero after the Brazil striker’s two goals to sink Wolves.

Throughout the Blues’ 21-game winning run doubts have remained over the Brazilian, who has been afforded a chance to claim a regular place in the side by Sergio Aguero’s long injury absence – but trails behind top scorer Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling in terms of goals.

Guardiola says people ‘don’t realise’ just how much sacrifice Jesus makes for the team, in terms of making runs, and dropping deep, to create space for others.

But the manager also knows that for any striker – and especially the Brazil No.9 – their worth is often weighed in goal tallies, so it is crucial for the player’s confidence that he scores. Jesus bagged two predatory strikes as City saw off Wolves, and earned a glowing tribute from Guardiola.

“You cannot imagine how happy we are when he scores,” said the manager. “You can’t imagine how many things he does for the team that people don’t realise.

“He got two and he helped us with pressing and intensity. Joyful guy – we know the stats and he’s not in the highlights, but what he does is amazing.

“He scored two and that’s so good for him and the team.

“Of course, strikers live for the goals, but look at assists, he’s been brilliant all season.”

Guardiola also praised Bernardo Silva’s workrate in last night’s win and said his approach summed up the ‘solidarity, commitment and friendship’ in the Blues squad.

“Another nice performance, [he was] brilliant, Mahrez too, they have a good connection,” the City boss said.

“Always Bernardo performs well, with desire, with the extra pass.”

Asked about the energy Bernardo continues to show in a demanding season, Guardiola said: “That’s true, he’s skinny and not tall but so strong, everyone you see, everyone runs, it’s what we like the most, solidarity, commitment, friendship, run for the others and run for you. He wants to recover as quick as possible and defend. When we have the ball they cannot score.

“Wolves are incredibly well organised to run, drive with the ball and it’s so difficult with Neto and Adama, but we controlled them well except for five minutes. In the end a really good night for us.”