London - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and blamed a lack of cutting edge for the team’s 4-0 Premier League defeat at Everton last weekend.
Guardiola said his team were in control at Goodison Park until profligacy in front of goal gave the impetus to Everton and City dropped to fifth place in the table ahead of Saturday’s home game against
in-form Tottenham Hotspur.
“The league position is not only about the goalkeeper. That would be easy for me but it’s not about that,” Guardiola said on Friday.
“At Everton we missed the chances we had and conceded a few. We were in control and had an advantage - but we could not achieve our target.
“We had more clear-cut chances and we could not take them. It is not the first time. Of course, we can play better but we miss our chances and the opponent doesn’t.”
The Spaniard said new signing Gabriel Jesus was ready to come into the squad, but warned that the Brazilian striker was not the only
answer for a team who failed to score in two of their last three league games.
“He is fit and ready to be involved in the team,” Guardiola added.
“He’s a young player, 19 years old, we cannot think he will solve our problems. He will help us, he will have time to get involved.”
Tottenham, in second place on the back of a six-game winning run, beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 last weekend and Guardiola praised their “brilliant” style of play under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“It’s Mauricio’s third season there, so they play how he wants. Strong physically, good build-up, quality between the lines,” the Spaniard added.
“They play at the right tempo. They are a good team. They are playing really good All of them know where the players are. To create that you need time. And quality of course.”
Meanwhile, Diego Costa is available for selection for leaders Chelsea’s home match against Hull City after recovering from a back injury, manager Antonio Conte said on Friday.
The Spain striker’s future at Stamford Bridge has been subject to intense speculation after he missed last weekend’s 3-0 win at champions Leicester City.
Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian are reported to have wanted to sign Costa while the club’s top scorer this season was also said to have had a row with a member of the coaching staff.
“I think the player wants to stay at Chelsea,” Conte said.
“He is happy to play with us and this idea is far in his mind.
“Diego is a very important player. When he stays in good form he always plays with me.”
Costa is level on 14 goals with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez at the top of the Premier League scoring charts this season.
However, Conte was guarded on whether Costa would start against struggling Hull at Stamford Bridge in what would be his 100th appearance since joining from Atletico Madrid.
“We will see, I don’t want to give a clue to our opponents,” Conte said. “I hope to celebrate his 100th game with a win.”
Chelsea have a healthy seven-point lead over Tottenham and Liverpool in the table and an inviting home match against Hull should allow them to keep the pressure on the clubs trying to chase them down.
Conte warned that Hull, who have shown signs of life under new manager Marco Silva and beat Bournemouth last weekend to move up to 18th place, should not be taken lightly.
“If you think this type of game is easy you make a great mistake, and you can pay for it at the end of the season,” Conte said. “Hull are a good team. They have changed the coach and you have a great reaction from the players.”