City find their European mojo
TOP NOTCH: GUARDIOLA HAILS WIN AS ‘OUTSTANDING’
anchester City found their Champions League mojo as David Silva and Bernardo Silva both scored in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in Kharkiv on Tuesday, with manager Pep Guardiola hailing an “outstanding” performance.
Guardiola’s men have now won back-to-back matches in Europe after a shock opening loss to Lyon and lead the French side by one point at the top of Group F after Lyon’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Hoffenheim on Tuesday.
“In Europe, 0-3 – we were outstanding. We created a lot of chances,” the Spaniard told BT Sport. “It was an amazing result.”
The English champions could potentially secure a last-16 spot if they beat Shakhtar in the return match at the Etihad in a fortnight as they bid for a maiden Champions League triumph.
“If we are able to win the next game Shakhtar will be out,” added Guardiola. “After our defeat in Lyon we were under pressure. I’m very pleased with our performance.
“We are together three seasons and we know each other much better. It’s normal when you have three years together you are better than the first year.”
David Silva put City ahead on the half-hour mark, before Aymeric Laporte doubled the advantage and Bernardo Silva scored just two minutes after coming off the bench.
Guardiola was able to give Kevin de Bruyne his first start of the season after the midfielder returned as a substitute against Burnley last Saturday following a two-month layoff with a knee injury.
The bookmakers’ favourites for the European crown, started far better than in the two previous games which had seen them beaten 2-1 at home by Lyon and needing a late David Silva winner to edge out Hoffenheim.
City’s goalkeeper Ederson Moraes kept out a late effort from Junior Moraes to preserve his clean sheet, as the visitors claimed successive Champions League victories for the first time since winning their first five group-stage games last season.
“We are playing better every game,” said David Silva, who has now scored four goals this season. “We need to improve a little bit more. If we play like this we will get more points.” –