'Absolutely unexpected' - Guardiola astonished by Man City defender's goalscoring form

Josko Gvardiol has been in superb goal scoring form, something even his manager did not think was possible.

Sat, 11 May, 2024 - 15:53

James St Denis

When Manchester City took the lead against Fulham 13 minutes in through Josko Gvardiol, the writing appeared on the wall for where the result was heading. Watched on by Noel Gallagher, the match at Craven Cottage was certainly not an oasis for the men in sky blue.

But once the Croatian defender arrowed a shot with his weaker foot past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno to give City the advantage after a wonderfully intricate passing move, the celebration from the visitors appeared to be one of release.

The press that Pep Guardiola’s side imposed on Fulham was relentless, they were suffocated by the City press. The visitors have become the masters of this.

When the two sides returned for the second half, Guardiola exited the away dressing room, sleeves rolled up, striding back to the touchline with his head down and face filled with the broadcasters camera. He was unnerved. This is not his first title fight, and most likely will not be his last. He knows the title is in their hands.

"The great players enjoy playing with great pressure,” Guardiola said.

“These players in the last few years have been able to do it and we are again in the latter stages.

“Our dream is as we said a few weeks ago when they [Arsenal] lost against Aston Villa was to arrive in the last games with it in our hands, to play West Ham at home with the destiny belonging to us."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gives instructions to Bernardo Silva during the Premier League against Fulham. Picture: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.

After weathering a west London storm following the break, Player of the Year favourite Phil Foden popped up to double City’s advantage on the hour mark after firing a loose ball into the bottom corner. Queue the jubilation from the travelling supporters, who were in fine voice from the first minute until the last.

Gvardiol’s second of the match and a penalty deep into added time from Julian Alvarez was the icing on the cake in what was the most professional performance City have come up with all campaign at a time where they needed it the most.

The Croatian has been in superb goal scoring form, a trait even his manager did not think was possible:

“Absolutely unexpected. He is unbelievable with both feet. Normally the left is difficult to find, he is more comfortable with his right.

“Big goal at Santiago Bernabeu, goal today with the right foot. Second half he was not at his best, lost a lot of balls, and as a defender you have to be tight.

“For him to add the goals he is more than welcome, but he has to be more tight. But he is 21 years old and he will improve.”

Guardiola’s side now play their game in hand, away at Tottenham, a fixture in which the Citizens have not scored a single league goal since Spurs were situated at Wembley back in 2019.

Then they are welcomed back home for their final match of the season, seeing out the campaign at the Etihad against an out of sorts West Ham side who appear to have been on holiday since their Europa League exit.

There is no rest bite however, victory only takes City two points in front of Arsenal, who face Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, with a win ensuring this title race goes down to the final day. City will be hoping their neighbours can continue the familiar trend of Mikel Arteta’s side’s struggles at Old Trafford, with only one win out of the previous 16 visits.

But as Fulham fan Hugh Grant departed before the finish, Arsenal’s nine months of grafting for a first title in 20 years look to be in vain, as the inevitable City machine keeps ticking along.