Injury blows take shine off victory for City boss
MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker will play no further part in a title runin he feels “everyone in this country” wants Liverpool to win.
The triple injury blow took the gloss off what was otherwise a “perfect afternoon” for City as they beat Newcastle 5-0 to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Dias was forced off at half-time at the Etihad Stadium with a muscular problem, joining Stones and Walker, who were already sidelined with thigh and ankle injuries respectively, on the casualty list.
Guardiola said: “Ruben, Kyle and John are out for the end of the season. Next pre-season maybe they will be ready.”
City had been given the opportunity to earn some breathing space at the top of the table after quadruple-chasing Liverpool were held to a draw by Tottenham on Saturday.
The two sides have been locked in a tight title race but with just three games left to play, and a now superior goal difference, City look to be in firm control.
Afterwards Guardiola took aim at what he perceived as favourable coverage of the Merseysiders’ challenge.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, the Spaniard said: “One week ago, we were in front, (but) everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.
“Of course Liverpool have an incredible history, in Europe and competitions. Not in Premier League, just won one in 30 years. But it is not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.”
City were impressive as they swept Newcastle aside in a superb response to their heartbreaking Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid in midweek.
Raheem Sterling struck twice while Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and Phil Foden also got on the scoresheet.
“I am very pleased,” said Guardiola, whose side now travel to Wolves on Wednesday. “It was a perfect afternoon.
“Just before the start of the game I felt the crowd were disappointed but not grumpy or upset about who we are as a team.
“What we have done today we have done the last five years every three days. Three more points, three games left, one competition to play.”