SHOW INSPIRES
Wagner so proud of side as they hold Pep’s troops
hounding. Billings and Dean Whitehead were metronomic in the middle, the former unlucky to see his terrific drive ruled out.
So too was Jack Payne, whose free-kick was tipped over by Claudio Bravo, though Rajiv Van La Parra cannot blame misfortune for slamming a glorious chance straight at the Spaniard.
Coleman, too, rose to the occasion. The former Oldham keeper, 21, has played just once in the league but belied his rustiness to make several timely rushes off his line and claimed everything lofted into the box.
“He played one game in the Championship that we’ve won,” said Wagner. “And he now has three clean sheets in the FA Cup, It was another very good performance for him. Very focused. Very brave.”
In between batting off questions about his weakened selection – justifiably pointing out that Wagner also made seven changes – even Guardiola hailed the young stopper.
“First half we had our chances, but the goalkeeper was brilliant,” said the former Barcelona boss, who refused to comment on reports that sub Raheem Sterling was hit with a bottle while warming up.
City created nothing in the second half, but Guardiola insisted he was satisfied. “I expected the game we played,” he added. “And I send a big compliment to my team. I knew how hard it would be here. The pitch, where they also play rugby, meant everything is a bit slow.
“Huddersfield are so aggressive, they are so dynamic. They have a really good team. That is why they are where they are in the Championship.”