Man City boss Guardiola singles out young Spurs star for special praise

Oli Fisher

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has singled out one Spurs star for praise following their 1-0 win at Wembley.

Riyah Mahrez scored the only goal of the game as the champions went back to the top of the Premier League at Wembley and he celebrated by pointing to the sky in dedication to his former chairman, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Saturday night.

However, it was 22-year-old England international Harry Winks who drew praise from former Barcelona boss Guardiola, having come off the bench in the second half for Eric Dier.

“I felt that when I played against Tottenham in White Hart Lane in my first year, we lost 2-0 and we could have lost 4-0,” Guardiola revealed.

“Then I realise how physical they were and that is why I give them a lot of credit in playing the way we played because it is something incredible, the way we played in that condition, so I give them a lot of credit.

“Tottenham is one of the teams I admire the most for the way they play, I think the grass today did not help them either, they have a lot of quality to play. Harry Winks came on the pitch and changed the game so they are an exceptional team.”

Guardiola also praised Spurs for their physicality: “I am not talking about intention, when you see them in the tunnel, Eric Dier, Dembele and Sissoko and Lucas Moura is also jumping and Sanchez and Alderweireld. It is incredible how strong they are.”

 

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