WATFORD 0 MAN CITY
Defoe hails Jor-dropping talent of Ibe Harry Brum axe Legend Aguero lets Sterling hit the spot
JERMAIN DEFOE believes the sky is the limit for Jordon Ibe after he sparked Bournemouth’s season into life.
Eddie Howe’s side fell behind to Solly March’s goal for Brighton on Friday night, putting the Cherries on course for a fifth straight Premier League defeat.
But the Bournemouth boss sent on Ibe and he played in Andrew Surman for the equaliser, with a neat back-heel, and then striker Defoe for the winning goal.
Defoe said: “What a player – the sky’s the limit for him. When he came on he was unbelievable, he changed the game.
“Technically, he’s so good and we’re lucky to have someone like that. “I just hope he can kick on now.” Winger Ibe, 21, was honest in his assessment of last season when he said he was not at the levels he should have been after a £15million move from Liverpool.
Defoe added: “There’s so much to come from him. I’ve been so impressed with him since I’ve been here.
“When people expect you to do so much it’s not always easy.
“The ball from Jordon tonight was just perfect. It was that little bit of quality.”
Defoe dedicated his first goal of the season to Bradley Lowery, the six-year-old Sunderland fan who lost his brave battle with cancer in the summer.
He said: “He’s probably looking down thinking, ‘Yeah, but you’re playing for the wrong team’. Hopefully, he’s looking down proud, he’s still in my heart.”
Brighton chief Chris Hughton, whose newly-promoted side have four points from five games, said: “We didn’t defend well enough for their goals.
“Bournemouth have to be a benchmark for us. They have had their difficulties, but they’ve always found a way through it and continued to develop.
“We’ve got to make sure we stay in there and get results.” FOR EVERY MATCH REPORT him. Hopefully, the club can make a good celebration in our stadium before one of the games when he does it. He’s a legend.”
Asked if he was happy that Sterling (above) took over the responsibility from 12 yards – appearing to over-rule his manager – Guardiola added: “At 5-0, it’s not a problem. But I like to have the takers on penalties.”
The goal glut meant Manchester City have run in 15 goals in just eight days after filling their boots at the expense of Liverpool last week and in Rotterdam against Feyenoord.
Guardiola added: “It’s not easy to score that many in one week. Sometimes, it happens that way.”
Asked about the difference in his attitude towards Aguero, Manchester City’s chief said: “I want him involved in the game more. I’ve encouraged him to play.
“The players aren’t here just to go to the gym. They are here for the ball.”