Controlling emotions the key for Pep Guardiola

Manchester City proved too strong for West Ham in their opening Premier League game. 

A second half hat-trick from Raheem Sterling saw the defending champions claim a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Hammers.

However, the main talking point is likely to be the use of VAR which was heavily involved in the game at the London stadium.

Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Pep Guardiola admitted that he was pleased to see his players manage their emotions in spite of some frustrating decisions.

He said: “There was intensity and the passion, but we were not in the semi-finals.

“Now we can control the emotions. It is good mentally because you are thinking 0-3, the game is over.”

City boss also added that with quarter of an hour left to play, West Ham did have a great chance to get back in contention.

He added: “They had an incredible chance and it could go 1-2 with 15 minutes left. So you have to be strong, calm and positive. You have to control your emotions.”

Next up for the Citizens is a huge clash against Tottenham at the Etihad stadium.

Last time the two sides met, VAR played a huge part in their Champions League quarter-final.

On that day, what was to prove a controversial winner from Spurs striker Fernando Llorente was allowed to stand.

Meanwhile, Sterling saw an injury-time strike that would have put City through ruled out for offside by VAR.