Manchester City secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Pep Guardiola praised his team’s performance, saying they took their chances in front of a boisterous home crowd.
“In previous games we had more chances and didn’t score. Especially in front of these fans. A good result. We behaved like we are,” said Guardiola in his post-match interview.
One player who stood out in the game was Phil Foden, who scored two of City’s three goals. Guardiola was full of praise for the young midfielder, who he described as City’s “diamond.”
ALSO READ: Phil Foden shines as Man City advance to FA Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Bristol City
“He scored one last game, now two, his dynamic and rhythm and work ethic, footballers have ups and downs. Phil’s has been up and up and up, but with the World Cup and his ankle, he has had a bit of a down. Phil has always had a high level. His impact since he arrived with us has been amazing. When you work like he works, football always pays off for you,” said Guardiola.
Another player who caught the manager’s eye was midfielder Kevin Phillips, who returned to the starting line-up after a spell on the sidelines. Guardiola praised his performance and said it was important to have him back in the team.
A moment of mutual respect between Pep Guardiola and Nigel Pearson (Image by Man City)
“When you don’t play regularly it’s not easy. He made a good 90 minutes and good actions. It’s important for us that he’s back,” said Guardiola.
Manchester City’s win over Bristol City saw them extend their impressive FA Cup record, having won their last 13 matches against lower-division sides by an aggregate score of 45-8. Guardiola said his team’s attention now turns to their upcoming Premier League game against Newcastle United.
ALSO READ: Phil Foden credits “quality” for City’s impressive FA Cup win against Bristol City and says he is “Feeling 100% fit and comfortable”
“Of course we are still alive in three competitions. We will see what happens. We finished five away games with three days recovery in between. But the guys respond as they are,” said Guardiola.
With Guardiola’s men still in contention for three trophies, City fans will be hoping that their team can maintain their impressive form and secure more silverware this season.
