FOUR-CE WITH Pep ‘so proud’ as he ends his GUARDIOLA
OBODY beats Pep Guardiola four times in a row – not even magical Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
That was the message here after his Manchester City gained sweet revenge for their Champions League final heartache by becoming the first side to beat Tuchel’s Blues this term.
A fine second-half finish from Gabriel Jesus was all that separated the sides – and ensured Guardiola got one over his German rival for the first time on these shores.
Not that Guardiola was bothered about that. He was far more interested in praising his team as they moved above the Londoners into second place.
Guardiola, whose side face Paris Saint-germain this week, said: ‘‘We are at the Kings of the Champions League and we won it.
“The guys were outstanding. In this stadium, against this opponent, they make me so proud.
“Chelsea beat us the previous times because they’re exceptional.”
Tuchel, who faces a midweek trip to Juventus, was equally gracious. He said: “City deserved this win. They were stronger, sharper and I felt we lacked belief.
“We could not escape.we defended very well but we were not at our best today.”
Some billed this a potential early title decider.a bit early perhaps – but whoever won would be making a statement of intent to the rest of those competing for the top.
Seven of those who played in the European Cup final were retained by each manager.
That meant a second league start this season for Timo Werner, and he almost set up Romelu Lukaku for an opener, then had a goal-bound effort deflected wide himself.
Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were the major threats at the other end and, gradually, City began to take a grip.
That coincided with Reece James hobbling off – after one too may bruising challenges with fellow Three Lion Grealish.
Chelsea hero Antonio Rudiger headed over Rodri’s on-target drive before the best chance of the half
fell to Jesus, who slammed over from close range.
The expected half-time Tuchel shuffle never came, ensuring the second period resumed where the first finished – with City on top.
And the seemingly inevitable breakthrough arrived in the 53rd minute following a short corner.
As Joao Cancelo’s pile-driver was blocked there appeared no apparent danger, until Jesus spun on a sixpence and directed an 18-yard shot inside the near post.
The hugely influential Grealish almost put the contest to bed four minutes later, with a curler tipped wide by Edouard Mendy.