Guardiola ‘satisfied’ with City win but ‘did not see’ Aguero elbow

Oli Fisher
Pep Guardiola: Happy with Hammers win

Pep Guardiola: Happy with Hammers win

Pep Guardiola was happy to pick up three points and insists he is ‘optimistic’ about achieving big things with Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling bagged a brace either side of a Fernandinho header as City beat West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite a nervy period in the second half when Michail Antonio had restored hope for the visitors, the Spaniard was pleased overall.

“When you see how many chances we create, they scored with their first chance. You have to win 3-0 or 4-0 to think the game is over.

“They played long balls, we had our full-backs and won the second balls. They jumped more than us but we played a good game. Our fans enjoyed it and we are happy.

“They scored a goal in the only way we could concede, by crossing. They are taller than us and play in that style. At 2-1, the emotions, not the tactics, went in.

“Then we created many chances, I don’t know how many shots we had but the performance in general was real good with or without the ball. with the quality of our players, we can be satisfied.”

“In Bucharest [in the Champions League], we played amazing, but in the Premier League, we played only good in minutes against Sunderland and adapted well against Stoke.

“John Stones had a little bit of a problem and did not win the duels. He might have been tired which is why we made the substitution.”

Sergio Aguero may be in hot water as the Argentine appeared to elbow Winston Reid when jumping for a header. Retrospective action could mean he misses the Manchester Derby on September 10.

Guardiola stated: “I did not see the Sergio Aguero incident. We will see.”

Asked about any business happening prior to the transfer window closing, Guardiola remained coy.

“The players know the situation and have a contract. Everyone knows their situation.”

The former Bayern and Barcelona boss re-iterated that he is happy with the progress his squad is making.

“We played here against Sunderland, we were not brilliant like today but we controlled the game. Here it is over when it is over and at 2-0 it is not over.

“I am so satisfied. It is a pleasure to work with these guys in this club. We feel the players believe in what we do and that is more satisfying for the coach of course but that without results is nothing. We go into the international break and start again.

“I am so optimistic, I see many good things about the players but I didn’t expect in a short time playing many good things. It shows how good they are.”