Advertisement
Raheem Sterling celebrates Manchester City's winner against Huddersfield Town.

Guardiola hits back at Wenger after Sterling jibe

Manchester City’s manager aimed a dig at his Gunners counterpart following the Arsenal boss’ previous comments regarding the winger.

PEP GUARDIOLA TOOK a swipe at Arsene Wenger after Raheem Sterling won a penalty and scored the winner for Manchester City in their 2-1 victory at Huddersfield Town.

Premier League leaders City went behind to Nicolas Otamendi’s own goal on the stroke of half-time, only for Sergio Aguero to equalise from the spot early in the second period after Sterling went down under a challenge from Scott Malone.

The England winger bundled home late on to wrap up the points — securing a record-breaking 11th successive away victory in the process.

Sterling won City a spot-kick in their victory over Arsenal earlier this month, which resulted in Wenger claiming the 22-year-old “dives well”, but Guardiola dismissed suggestions the former Liverpool man had exaggerated the contact on either occasion.

“Two clear penalties. Maybe Arsene will say that is [a] penalty,” said Guardiola. “I think the penalty is more than clear.

He can still improve but he’s made a big step. He’s winning games. Now he’s a winning player.

“But not just in terms of goals, now he’s strong, keeps the ball… before he used to lose a lot of balls. He’s 22 years old and still he can improve a lot.

“He’s able to… if he wants to learn. We’ll be there to help him.”

City were far from at their best, but Guardiola was delighted with his side’s gritty display as they claimed their 12th win from 13 league matches.

“The Premier League is so tough, now winter has come, we knew they were so aggressive, so strong, but we are so happy for the way we won,” Guardiola told BBC Sport.

“It was a brilliant move to win the penalty. It is impossible to win every game easily, this league is so tough. The guys competed amazingly, which is why we won.”

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

Jose Mourinho admits to Paul Pogba ‘dilemma’>

Gennaro Gattuso takes over from Vincenzo Montella as AC Milan boss>

Author
View 3 comments
Close
3 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Les Rock
    Favourite Les Rock
    Report
    Dec 9th 2012, 1:53 PM

    come on the mun.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Byrne
    Favourite Kevin Byrne
    Report
    Dec 9th 2012, 2:37 PM

    no coverage of the leinster club hurling final???

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Murray
    Favourite Paddy Murray
    Report
    Dec 9th 2012, 5:30 PM

    What the hell is the journals problem yesterday they predicted a 10+ pt loss for Kilcormac/Killoughey in the Leinster final and today they don’t evan cover it only the dub match. Topical bullshit
    By the way K/K won another prediction they got wrong

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Les Rock
    Favourite Les Rock
    Report
    Dec 9th 2012, 6:01 PM

    They also predicted an easy Ballymun win..but if you look at the article,the first few posts are biased against Ballymun. The author almost tries to state Ballymun were lucky to be there.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Conway
    Favourite John Conway
    Report
    Dec 9th 2012, 7:09 PM

    Your dead right Paddy!!

    They make history by winning there first county title & then go on to win the Leinster final!

    What a super game!!
    Hurling at its finest!

    Not even an article!

    17
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel