Manchester City news: Pep Guardiola the 'happiest man in the world' after convincing Watford win
- Planet Sport writer
- 23 April 2022
Gabriel Jesus inspired Manchester City to a 25th win of the season, as City took a four point lead over title rivals Liverpool.
Manchester City enjoyed a rare chance to play their league fixture before rivals Liverpool this week, and they took the opportunity with both hands, securing a dominant 5-1 win against relegation-threatened Watford.
Gabriel Jesus stole the headlines with four goals and an assist, with the Brazilian setting up Rodri for City's third of the match.
Hassane Kamara gave City a scare after 28 minutes, but after the Watford striker momentarily made it 2-1, Rodri and Jesus put the game beyond doubt.
The result piles pressure onto Liverpool for Sunday's Merseyside derby, with the Reds needing to win if they are to close the gap at the top back to just one point.
We are the City boys! 💙#ManCity pic.twitter.com/B9p3vOk0s2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2022
But instead of being sucked into title talk, City boss Pep Guardiola wanted to pile praise onto Jesus following his masterful performance.
"If there is one person in world football who deserves nights like this it is him. I am pretty sure there is not one person on the staff, in all the people that know him, who is not happy for him. We are delighted for him.
"He helped us a lot to win this game. The assists from Oleks (Zinchenko) and Kevin (De Bruyne) were fantastic but he has to be there.
"When you always behave in a positive way, life, football will reward you with what you deserve.
"Gabriel has an incredible ability. He is always thinking about what is best for the team. When he has days like today I am the happiest man in the world."
The star of the show! 🌟
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2022
🔵 5-1 🟢 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/Xzlfw3jobz
However, even after Jesus' stunning performance, it's unlikely that the 25-year-old will nail down a starting spot as City's striker.
After pursuing Harry Kane last summer, it seems City are keen to acquire Erling Haaland's services in the upcoming window, putting Jesus' place in the squad in doubt.
But Guardiola insists what happens in the summer transfer window is secondary to his priorities right now.
"Every player is happy when they play every game. At the end of the season they may say they want to extend the contract or say they want to leave, but right now I don't care.
"We have seven games, potentially eight, until the end of the season. This is my only concern. We are going to do everything to try to win every single game.
"Gabriel is a player of ours, he belongs to Manchester City. I don't know what is going to happen but he is always positive for the team.
"Good things are going to happen in his life. He will have a long and successful career."
Next up for City is a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening, before returning to Premier League action against Leeds United on Saturday.
