Pep Guardiola gave Cole Palmer the greatest compliment he could by simply picking the teenager in a central striker role for his first Premier League start.
Pep Guardiola said: “It was difficult for all of us, people who play in the middle to find places. Striker is the most difficult position in the team. When the game went on he felt more comfortable. Now he has almost 90 minutes in his legs, when you let the players play. It is an incredible investment for the club and the future. Very pleased and with the few minutes James McAtee played as well.”
Palmer’s role was almost sacrificial, but worked as Sterling made use of his movement to fire the Blues ahead, and it was the youngster’s shot that deflected into the path of Bernardo for the killer third goal. The ploy of playing natural wingers – a left-footer on the left, right footer on the right – worked against Manchester United a fortnight ago, and was key to undoing Everton as well.
Pep Guardiola said: “Really good, very pleased, we knew it. The last times we play against Rafa Benitez at Newcastle, always we struggled a lot. He could play with five at the back or four. That is why it is so good in this type of movements. We were better, we conceded few, were patient.”
The debut of Salford lad McAtee was another bonus and he almost made a name for himself with a backheel assist and a goal in a frenetic finish to the game. McAtee has impressed first team players since moving up to join the squad,
Pep Guardiola said: “All of us we believe, we have a good generation of four, five or six players with quite a good potential to help us. I am not talking about Phil, but these guys have a good quality, Cole has a good quality, James, Romeo, Sam Edozie, now he is injured, but is an exceptional winger, Liam Delap is injured. We have exceptional players in the academy, I am not shy to use them. If they are good, they are going to get an opportunity. Our fans love them to be Manchester City, they grew up part of it. They love to see Phil and Cole, the rest be patient, be positive, work harder than ever and when they have opportunities, play good.”
