Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits he was wary of the speed and movement of Aston Villa duo Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins while explaining Ruben Dias’ half-time hooking during their 3-1 Premier League win at the Etihad Stadium, speaking to the City website.
If there was ‘Pannick on the streets of London’ on Sunday afternoon, then there were no such nerves in the North West; Guardiola’s fired-up City side bouncing back from that defeat at Tottenham and cutting the gap to stumbling Arsenal at the top of the table.
Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez had the points sealed and secure by half-time. And, with Ruben Dias picking up a booking during his first Premier League start since October, Guardiola opted to play it safe and shield his returning centre-back from a potential footrace with Aston Villa’s spring-heeled forwards.
“Ruben (was substituted) because it was a yellow card. Of course, he was disappointed. But, unfortunately, he got a yellow card,” the former Barcelona coach explains.
“With Watkins and Bailey, they have good runners in behind. So we decide to not take risks with the score at 3-0.”
Man City beat Aston Villa 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium
If the first-half felt was reminiscent to the City slickers of old, then the second was more stodge than style. Aston Villa pulled a goal back with the ever-dangerous Watkins pouncing on an error; a well-taken consolation making for a far more respectable scoreline against a team now just three points off top spot.
“We did in general a really good game,” Guardiola adds. “We could press higher and better, but we adjusted something in the second half.
“Unfortunately, we concede a goal again from a mistake. But, in general, every set piece we have the feeling that we score. It was a really good game, and I’m happy.
“The (rivals) were behind us. And that’s why it’s important to take this final opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal.”
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