Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Sergio Aguero for his hat-trick following his side’s 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens secured three points thanks to three goals from Aguero, as the Argentine striker got his tenth Premier League hat-trick in his career.
He is now second in the number of Premier League hat-tricks scored, just one behind the league’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer.
Guardiola was keen to praise Aguero for his performance, as he spoke in his post-match press conference. As quoted on the club’s official website, he said: “From the beginning, I was very pleased. Today he fought and did everything for the team.
“I judge the intention. The intention from Sergio was always perfect since we’ve been together.”
Aguero’s hat-trick took his season tally up to 20 goals, the most in Manchester City’s squad this season. He is now joint-third in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 14 goals, alongside Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
City’s win on Sunday afternoon moved them within two points of league leaders Liverpool, who face West Ham on Monday evening. It was a much needed victory for the Citizens, who lost 2-1 to Newcastle last Tuesday.
Guardiola was delighted with his side’s reaction to last week’s defeat at St James’ Park, saying: “The important thing is to be ourselves. At Newcastle we didn’t recognise our team. The players knew that. Today we came back.”
The gap between first and second is now just two points, though could be restored back to five if the Reds prevail at the London Stadium.
Speaking about their fellow title challengers, Guardiola said: “I prefer to be in the position of Liverpool. The pressure is when you are behind and you lose points, it’s tougher.”
City now face two league fixtures in four days, starting on Wednesday night when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton. They then return to the Etihad on Sunday, as they host Chelsea in a huge clash.
Source : 90min