Second half was extraordinary, says Pep after Chelsea win

Second half was extraordinary, says Pep after Chelsea win

Pep Guardiola said the players had a more aggressive mindset in the second half of City’s 3-0 victory at Chelsea in the Premier League.

Match Report

City reduce gap at top of Premier League with emphatic win at Chelsea

After a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku were on target to secure a crucial three points.

Victory saw us move to within six points of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand and the Gunners coming to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal’s defeat on Saturday handed City an opportunity to close the gap at the top and we took advantage after an excellent second half performance.

“I’m a genius!” Guardiola joked when asked about tactical changes at half-time against Chelsea.

“Absolutely nothing we adjusted. One thing was our high pressing but the rest, we told the guys and the players they had to make a step-up.

“Gigio (Donnarumma) saved to the left side and in the second half we attacked with Matheus [Nunes], Rayan [Cherki] - we were more aggressive.

“The second half was extraordinary because we had the mindset. It wasn’t tactics. We know each other for a long time and the players showed a good mentality to win here, which is never easy.”

The win sets up a huge encounter against Arsenal on Sunday 19 April at 16:30 (UK) with another three points needed to keep up the pressure.

Guardiola has a huge respect for Mikel Arteta’s side and is expecting a very tough encounter.

“We’ve done a good three games but the best team in England is Arsenal,” he said. “The numbers are there.

“We will prepare well this week. We’ll adjust from the Carabao Cup.

“What defines the teams is how you play. If you don’t grow as a team in the way you play you won’t win. We have to insist to play better.”

We secured the first silverware of the season when we beat the Gunners at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup in March.

Guardiola believes that triumph has also given the squad confidence with City beating Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup ahead of our win at Chelsea.

“Winning helps,” the boss said. “Winning against the best team so far helps. Give your best.

“After success, we were humble and calm enough to ask what we need to do for more.

“Nine years, all the time being there, defines us a little bit. It’s not just me or some players, it’s the whole structure.

“Winning a lot in modern times is so complicated. We have a chance to prove ourselves again next week.”