Pep Guardiola hails ‘incredible’ star in ‘important’ win for PL title chances

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised the performance of defender Aymeric Laporte, who shone in the win over Leeds.

Leeds had looked dangerous in the first-half but found themselves behind thanks to a header from Rodri.

City then turned on the style in the second-half with Nathan Ake grabbing another goal from a set piece before Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho wrapped up the points in the final few minutes.

Defender Laporte suffered a nasty looking head injury in the first half after clashing with Leeds defender Robin Koch but both were able to carry on.

The Spanish international put in a number of blocks, challenges and headers to help City withstand pressure from Leeds and his manager has praised his performance.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: “We knew coming here the way they play, we suffered a lot in the first half. But in the end we had control and could have scored more. An incredible result for us.

“They are so fast up front. Today was so important to make our chances to be champions again.

“We defended well and sometimes these type of games set-pieces become so important. With Nathan Ake on the pitch, we are so strong.

“What a game Laporte played, he is doing an incredible season. We have five games to go, potentially six until the end of the season.

These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters.

“He was brilliant today.”
Credit: @iam_ccent

“he played well .”
Credit: @dmlfireboy312

“Best center half in the league”
Credit: @M_acBrown

“Deserves the ballon d’or if we’re being honest.”
Credit: @mcfcziyad

“Impress on wednesday and my agenda will be off”
Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“Laporte is one overrated defender, always disappoints in the big games under pressure and easily dribbled past. I still don’t understand why he’s starting over Stones, he’s not better than him..”
Credit: @Marcelo71438082

“Hopefully he can put up a better performance in second leg hopefully no mistakes.”
Credit: @MCFC__OMAR