The inclusion of Nigerian youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho in the City line-up for the 172nd Manchester derby against United was clearly to make a statement, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
The 19-year-old was handed the task of leading the Citizens attack in the absence of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero and he repaid the faith of the manager with a goal and an assist.
Guardiola revealed afterwards that he thought about other options but decided to make a statement of winning the match by playing Iheanacho from the start.
“He (Kelechi Iheanacho) was the only striker we had in that moment,” the Spaniard said, via the Manchester Evening News. “I thought about many other options – but I thought in the beginning to show to my players that I came to win the game.”
Guardiola further stated that he was satisfied with the performance of his team, especially with beating a team managed by his rival coach Jose Mourinho.
“I’ve received many goals from Mourinho’s teams on the counter-attack because his teams are really good in that part of the game,” he said. “But in the first half we controlled it, we conceded maybe one or two counter-attacks, no more.
“It’s really good, we defended the set-pieces [well] because they are stronger and taller than us and we defended really good.”
Manchester City returns to action on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League when they entertain Borussia Monchengladbach.
