Pep Guardiola has revealed a positive outlook on the future of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, after his side saw out an eventually comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Sunday.
Speculation about the Argentine's future has been rife over the last few months, after the arrival of Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Jesus saw him exiled to the bench, until his injury a few weeks ago.
"I am happy and was very pleased with display of Sergio. When a huge player is left out people ask, "Why? Why? Why?" Guardiolatold Sky Sports News.
"In the future I want to involve both Gabriel Jesus and Sergio when they're fit. Sergio helped us a lot in our game and in the build up. It was brilliant."
68% - Of Premier League teams Man City have played 25 or more times, they have the best win percentage against Sunderland (68%). Domination.
Despite the positive result against what was a dogged Black Cats side, Guardiola was critical of his side's complacency in the second half, after Leroy Sane's goal doubled their advantage. Guardiola said"We were passing the ball between ourselves in the last 25 minutes."
"I don't like to defend a result and be near our box. It is OK if you're 3-0 or 4-0 up but not 2-0."
No Man City player has completed more take-ons in the Premier League during 2017 than Leroy Sane (18).
Finding his feet. pic.twitter.com/iYxkADQCjn
Despite the fine form that the Citizens have been in lately, Guardiola did rule out a late charge for the Premier League title, which Antonio Conte's Chelsea still lead by seven points, and who can restore the lead to ten points on Monday night, when they face West Ham.
It's a pity that the distance, the gap between Chelsea is so big,� said Guardiola. We are there behind Chelsea, who are almost unstoppable, but we are there for the rest of the teams.
You have to judge us and our performances. I said many times that we are here in the last month not thinking too much about the big targets or objectives, it is just about winning the next game. That is the way we've focused on the on the last month or two months.
I feel we are playing quite good and that's why we are making results, but now we are in a position when you arrive in March and April when if you win every game you stay but if you lose you are out.