Manchester City kicked off their PL title defense with a 2-0 win over West Ham, thanks to a brace from Haaland on Sunday. But, according to City boss Pep Guardiola, it was Kyle Walker who impressed him the most that day. He pointed out that Walker had one of his best games in the draw against West ham. Walker has been the first choice right back for Manchester City right since when he joined the club in 2017. On the pitch, he is often seen playing an inverted full-back, changing positions with Joao Cancelo.
Pep says:
“The last two years we couldn’t win here, it’s always a tough place to come, the first game away in all leagues is difficult. We make an exceptional performance everywhere. We were perfect, much more aggressive in terms of going to win the ball, really to win the ball. Against Liverpool we were really, really, really poor. After with the process we played really well. The back four, Kyle and Joao were amazing. Today Kyle Walker was exceptional, maybe one of the best games he played since we were together. Not just defensive, he was part of all things, wanted to play with the ball and do it. Joao with his focus, all guys were brilliant, didn’t concede much. Now we have a threat with Erling [Haaland].”
Guardiola also praises the Manchester City playmaker
Guardiola also praised Ilkay Gundogan, who set Haaland free to win Manchester City’s first-half penalty.
“Ilkay missed one clear chance in the second half but in that moment I thought you scored a goal you shouldn’t have scored, the two goals that won us the Premier League. He always plays good, one of the first signings when we arrive. Apart from an incredible human being, you can talk about life, football, he understands the game perfectly. He always wants to play, has a special quality, the runners in front of goal. Ilkay Gundogan, for me, is one of the most important players we have, for many things, for the balance of the locker room.”
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.
