Pep Guardiola heaped praise on two unsung Man City players in win at West Ham

Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan in the aftermath of our 2-0 win at West Ham United on Sunday.

A double from Erling Haaland sealed the victory, as our title defence got off to the perfect start at the London Stadium.

But it was the performance of Walker at right-back and Gundogan in midfield that had Guardiola purring at full time.

Walker, who has been at City since 2017, has been City’s first choice right-back for the majority of his time at the Etihad and lined up there on the opening day at the London Stadium. However, in possession, Walker regularly moved inside as an inverted full-back, as did Joao Cancelo from the left.

As a result, City crowded the midfield and were able to free their attackers and unlock the West Ham defence. And Guardiola says Walker’s contribution might be his best performance since signing for City.

“Kyle Walker was exceptional, maybe one of the best games we have had since we were together,” the boss said afterwards.

“Not just defensive, he was part of all things, wanted to play with the ball and do it. Joao with his focus, all guys were brilliant, didn’t concede much. Now we have a threat with Erling [Haaland].”

Guardiola also showered praises on Ilkay Gundogan, who set Haaland free to win City’s first-half penalty. “Ilkay missed one clear chance in the second half but in that moment I thought you scored a goal you shouldn’t have scored, the two goals that won us the Premier League.

“He always plays good, one of the first signings when we arrive. Apart from an incredible human being, you can talk about life, football, he understands the game perfectly. He always wants to play, has a special quality, the runners in front of goal.

“Ilkay Gundogan, for me, is one of the most important players we have, for many things, for the balance of the locker room.”