Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has "put his middle finger up" to the Premier League by sticking to his guns this season, claims Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand. City are nine points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. Guardiola is aiming to become just the second manager after Sir Alex Ferguson to win back-to-back Premier League titles on more than one occasion.
Man City news: Rio Ferdinand has lauded City boss Pep Guardiola (Image: GETTY)
The Spaniard was questioned for not signing a striker but Ferdinand says he has proven the doubters wrong.
City have scored the level-most goals in the Premier League this term and Ferdinand has lauded Guardiola's ability to go against the grain and back his own methods.
Asked if the title race is over, Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: "Points-wise it's not over but I just think it is. City look too comfortable in all their games.
"They just look like they're in total control all the time.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"There's no topsy-turvy games or games where you go 'oh my god they're on the ropes, they're going to get beat here'. They're just in cruise control.
"As well by the way, Pep Guardiola is doing this without a recognised striker, No 9, in the team.
"He's basically put his middle finger up to the whole league and all of the media who were doubting him at the beginning of the season and said: 'Listen, have that, and we're going to win the league doing it as well'.
"I love it. I don't love City winning obviously but I love to see Pep, he pushes the boundaries and he just says 'I'm going to do it my way'.
Man City news: Pep Guardiola is looking set to win another Premier League title (Image: EXPRESS)