Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham: Citizens boss Pep Guardiola hails ‘one of the most incredible performances’ from his players
City regained their place at the top of the Premier League three days after being knocked out of the Champions League by Spurs in heart-breaking circumstances
Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City's Premier League win over Tottenham as "one of the most incredible performances" by his players.
City won the game 1-0 thanks to Phil Foden's early strike - the victory coming three days after their heart-breaking Champions League exit at the hands of Spurs which saw Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time 'goal' disallowed following a VAR check.
The Premier League result means Guardiola's side are top of the table again, a point ahead of Liverpool who travel to Cardiff on Sunday, a game you can listen to live on talkSPORT.
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And the Citizens boss was quick to praise the attitude of his players for what could be a crucial win in their bid to retain their crown.
Guardiola said: “It was one of the most incredible performances because footballers are human beings with feelings.
“And after what happened on Wednesday and to play the same team who are also going to get into the top four and have the adrenaline, it was the complete opposite for us but it was incredible the way we behaved.
“But we are still in the race and we have to win all four games and we’re going to try.
“We are sad. We were so close [to reaching the Champions League semi-finals] and when that happens you need time…but we won so that’s good."
Foden's winner was the 18-year-old's first Premier League goal for his boyhood club and Guardiola's decision to start looks a very smart one given the midfielder's strike was the decisive moment.
But when asked about whether he was pleased with the decision to play Foden, Guardiola gave a rather odd response.
He added: “Because he scored a goal it’s a good decision, no?...he was good.
However, it wasn't all good news for City during the match as key player Kevin De Bruyne was forced off in the 38th minute with an injury to his left leg.
The extent of the Belgian's injury is not clear and Guardiola was keen not to disclose what was exactly wrong with him.
Guardiola added: “He [De Bruyne] felt something. He’s been injured all season and when you come back you need to work before you meet the real condition to play.”