Has Jesus Spelt the End for Aguero?
After a lacklustre display at Riverside Stadium last game, where City could only draw against relegation battling Middlesbrough, Pep Guardiola decided to bring back David Silva as Sergio Aguero was ruled out injured. The Argentine hasn’t had the best of seasons this year leading many to link him with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
And one cannot deny that Gabriel’s display today only shapes that possibility. The 20-year-old couldn’t hit the target, unfortunately, but he justified Guardiola’s pre-match claim that he will be City’s main striker for many seasons to come. He was directly involved in Kevin De Bruyne’s goal, which makes it the sixth goal he has been involved in his last six games.
He was relentless in the attacking third recovering the ball six times, getting two successful tackles, three successful take-ons and taking three shots on target. It was his work rate that led Palace to make mistakes. Something Guardiola would hardly get from Aguero.
Things get interesting downwards
The defeat has shoved Crystal Palace towards a relegation threat yet again. They are just 3 points ahead of Swansea City now and 4 ahead of Hull who occupy the 18th spot. Thanks to Sunderland, who defeated Hull City to keep the Tigers in the relegation battle till the very end now.
Sam Allardyce’s men have lost to Burnley and Manchester City consecutively and they have Hull City and Manchester United left in the remaining two games. Of course, Hull City coming to Selhurst Park will be their most important game of the season, but the loss to City has ramped up the pressure.
Is Willy the best fit for Manchester City?
Of course, getting out there and buying a fancy goalie splashing millions will be the most Manchester City thing to do this summer, but the Argentine’s display today will force Guardiola to give a second thought about that role.
The 35-year-old has hardly got chances all season, courtesy to Guardiola’s blind faith in Claudio Bravo, but when he ultimately got it, he made the most of it. He produced a brilliant one-handed save today from Christian Benteke’s header, which if it had gone in, could have shown a different outcome.
He has conceded just 11 goals in 14 outings so far, and in a season that seen City’s defence shaky most often. It can only be imagined how effective he would be next season when City are coming more reinforced.
