Liverpool fans weren't quite happy with Guradiola's comments because of Mohamed Salah's form who has scored 19 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season.
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Manchester City defeated Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday courtesy of goals for Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva to put pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s City had a dominant first half, scoring both their goals before the break. The Spanish tactician was full of praise for Silva, whose sensational volley on 43 minutes proved to be the winner after Ruben Dias had opened the scoring. Meanwhile Aston Villa pulled one back in the second half through Ollie Watkins.
Man City are placed second in the points table with 32 points, just one behind leaders Chelsea, who earned a hard fought 2-1 win against Watford on the same day. Guardiola’s side had a sensational opening 45 minutes, and deservedly took the lead on 27 minutes as central defender Dias’ low drive from outside the box went past Emiliano Martinez and into the bottom corner.
“He is the best,” Guardiola said. “He was the best two or three seasons ago. He was the best then too. He has a special ability to do whatever he wants with the ball. Against a good goalkeeper it was an incredible finish.
“You have to go back to when we won with 98 points, review the videos, you will see the same player like this right now.”
The home side were struggling to get into the game as City’s quick passing was too good for them to handle. City doubled the lead through a breakaway move. Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo played their way out of a tight situation in their own box before Fernandinho released Gabriel Jesus down the right flank with a long overhead ball.
The Brazilian international took a couple of touches and looked up before crossing the ball for Silva, who was dashing forward. The Portuguese footballer smashed the ball past Martinez and into the top corner with a brilliant first-time left-footed volley from just inside the box. It was the 27-year-old’s fifth league goal of the season.
Guardiola added “To come here against this opposition, I was really impressed with who they are, and to be able to beat them is an incredible step for us.
“The importance is being there [at the top]. We’ve had an incredibly tough first part of the league, we are there one point behind. The important thing is the way we are performing, the way we are performing is a high level.”
Guardiola’s comments were questioned by many of the Liverpool fans, mainly due to the form of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward has netted 19 times in 19 appearances this season in all competitions and leads the Premier League Golden Boot race and is also the leading assist maker.
On Friday, Guardiola was asked to back up his comments made about Silva, and referenced his performance in this season’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool to make his point.
“I advise you, take a video from Anfield, take a video from Stamford Bridge, take a video from the last game, and you will know it,” said Guardiola, in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Watford.
The City manager was then asked about his team’s variety of goalscorers, with 17 different players getting on the scoresheet this term.
“It’s no secret, we don’t have a top scorer up front who senses a goal from nothing and creates something,” Guardiola said.
