Pellegrini reserves praise for trio after 4-0 win

Mark Holmes
Fabian Delph: Put Manchester City ahead against Crystal Palace

Fabian Delph: Put Manchester City ahead against Crystal Palace

Manuel Pellegrini reserved praise for Fabian Delph, Sergio Aguero and Kelechi Iheanacho after Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Pellegrini made five changes to the side held by Everton in midweek and was rewarded with a convincing win, with Delph justifying his inclusion with the opening goal.

“I’m very happy with his performance,” Pellegrini said on the summer signing from Aston Villa. “He had bad luck at the start of the season with different injuries.

“He has settled down now and he makes a good work ethic and gives us good build up.”

Pellegrini was also pleased with the contribution of Iheanacho and said the young striker’s withdrawal was no reflection on his performance.

“Kelechi is a very important player,” Pellegrini said. “Every game he plays, he takes positively. Today, he had a great impact.

“I had to make the substitution because Aleks Kolarov was injured and we needed tall players for set pieces.

“He has a bright future at this football club.”

Aguero scored City’s second and third goals before unselfishly setting up David Silva for the fourth, but Pellegrini believes the Argentine was just as impressive against Everton.

“In the last game, he didn’t score because [Tim] Howard made two beautiful saves, but he was making all the moves he normally does when he is 100% fit,” Pellegrini said.

“In every game, he will continue to improve.”

Pellegrini added that defender Kolarov, who was carried off with a calf injury early in the second half, would be assessed on Monday.