Pep Guardiola has explained why Raheem Sterling was on the penalty spot instead of Kevin De Bruyne in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Brighton.
Regular penalty shooter De Bruyne won a kick for City in the second half stoppage after being fouled by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but it was substitute Sterling who stepped in to take it. However, the England international soared 12 yards.
The first player to miss three consecutive penalties in the Premier League since Saido Berahino in 2017…? pic.twitter.com/1auJpytbdj
– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 13, 2021
“Kevin is the taker but he put in an incredible effort – not just the act of putting pressure on the keeper and creating the penalty, but the rest of the previous actions,” Guardiola said (via the Manchester Evening News).
“He struggled in the last 15 minutes because he was exhausted. I like the guys who take responsibility for the penalty. It was Raz and next time it will be better. ”
The missed penalty didn’t turn out to be costly, with City scoring a 1-0 victory thanks to a fabulous first-half goal taken by Phil Foden.
The city academy product cut inside Adam Webster with his first touch before sending a weak effort into the bottom corner. The goal was Foden’s eighth of the season in all competitions, meaning he currently leads City’s scorecard.
“He’s 20, you just have to look at the stats,” Guardiola told BBC Sport. “The number of games he has played, the goals and assists he has created and compared with the biggest stars in English football – the number of games at his age. We are pleased.
“He’s a guy who can play both sides as a winger, as a false nine he can play in the middle. He’s so, so smart in front of the goal.
“That’s why he deserves to play. Unfortunately, as managers we judge performance today, not what happened in the past. And today he played well, so maybe one day he will rest but now he deserves to play. ”
