IT’S PERFECT FOUR US
Pep hails his City slickers as Arteta boys demolish Leeds to keep gap at top of table
PEP GUARDIOLA saluted a ‘near-perfect’ performance as Manchester City cranked up their title charge.
The reigning champs roared back after falling a goal behind to dismantle
Liverpool with a crushing 4-1 victory.
But Arsenal also battered Leeds 4-1 at The Emirates to keep their eight-point lead at the top of the table, having played one game more than rivals City, thanks to a double blast from top Gunner – and City old boy – Gabriel Jesus.
Guardiola (below) was delighted with his charges and said: “From the first minute until the 93rd, it was almost the perfect performance.
“We were so stable and stuck to the plan.all the
players were magnificent.we have always struggled against Liverpool – the way they defend, the way they play is so difficult for us.
“But today the players were magnificent. We played really well in all departments so hats off to our players.”
City also expressed disappointment after chants referring to the Hillsborough disaster were heard during the first half of the game.
A club statement read: “Manchester City FC are disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during today’s game.
“We regret any offence these chants may have caused.”
Meanwhile,arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (above) had nothing but praise for his superstar striker Jesus. “I’m delighted for him,” said the Spaniard.
“We were all clapping for him. He’s been working so hard for the last four or five months with a lot of support from the team and the staff.
“Today he deserved the chance to start. He grabbed the opportunity with a lot of conviction and with two goals. I’m really happy.”