Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Guardiola thanks Man City duo Rodri and Fernandinho after taking gamble vs Crystal Palace
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised midfield duo Rodri and Fernandinho for stepping up as centre-backs during the Citizen’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has thanked Fernandinho and Rodri for playing as centre-backs during the clash against Crystal Palace.
The midfield pair were asked to play as makeshift defenders at Selhurst Park, after Nicolas Otamendi picked up a knock during international duty.
It meant that Guardiola’s side weren’t using any recognised centre-backs for the match.
Defenders John Stones and Eric Garcia were left on the bench at Selhurst Park, with the boss gambling on Rodri and Fernandinho’s partnership.
Rodri did not train for even one day in that position
“We know the situation – Nico [Otamendi] had a big kick from an international with Argentina,” said Guardiola, after the match.
“He trained yesterday but I decided to use alternatives.
“I thank them both for that. It's not easy to play in different positions and Rodri did not train for even one day in that position.
“It's not easy doing that. They did really well with the threat of Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha.
“And our build-up play was quicker because they have more intelligence - they pass the ball so well because they are central midfielders.”
City won 2-0 against Crystal Palace to close the gap at the top of the table to five points.
The match was largely dominated by the Citizens, with City having more than 70 per cent of possession throughout the match.
Striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring on 39 minutes with a well-placed diving header.
The Brazilian’s header went in off the post after a pin-point Bernardo Silva cross.
City doubled the lead two minutes later in spectacular fashion.
Raheem Sterling played a neat chipped pass over two Palace defenders, which dropped right at David Silva’s left boot.
The Spaniard was following the ball over his shoulder, but still managed to strike the ball on the volley, and in between the legs of Wayne Hennessey.