'Excellent from the first minute' - Pep Guardiola praises Man City approach in win over Man Utd in derby

ByAlexander Netherton

Updated 06/03/2022 at 21:48 GMT

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola explained how Ralf Rangnick's tactics had allowed his side to exploit space in their 4-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday evening in the Premier League. The Spaniard also praised Jack Grealish for his efforts in the final third as City went six points clear at the top.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his side as they beat Manchester United 4-1 on Sunday night.

The Catalan saw his side cruise to victory against Ralf Rangnick’s men and open up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with Liverpool second.

Guardiola explained how Rangnick’s approach opened up space for his side to exploit, but he was also pleased with his side’s commitment to work all the way to the full-time whistle.

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"It was excellent from the first minute. We played really well and had to be patient in the first step,” he said to the BBC.

"Ralf [Rangnick] tried to change the mentality for Man Utd to be more aggressive but we made space, especially in the second half, to play behind [Scott] McTominay and Fred.

"Football is emotions. It's tactics, definitely, but it's also emotions. Without the ball, we are a team with desire and passion to regain the ball from the first minute to the 90th.

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"We also want the ball as much as possible and, especially in the second half, we used it very well."

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Guardiola also picked out playmaker Jack Grealish for praise, saying: "He was excellent. [At one] moment he will understand in the final third, 'this ball is for me'. He is very generous.

"When you see Phil [Foden] and Riyad [Mahrez] in that moment, it is their ball. This is the next step for Jack, but in terms of decision-making, and using players in space, he was exceptional."

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