“I’m so pleased” – Pep Guardiola raves about Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish following Arsenal heroics

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish ahead of a league clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

The pair were instrumental in City’s crucial triumph away to title rivals Arsenal in midweek as the Blues returned to the top of the league with a statement 3-1 victory.

De Bruyne capitalised on a mix-up at the back for Mikel Arteta’s men and opened the scoring in the first half before Bukayo Saka levelled from the spot prior to the interval.

A dominant second half showing from the Premier League champions saw Grealish help City regain the lead before De Bruyne teed up Erling Haaland, who put the tie to bed with his 26th league goal of the campaign.

City have claimed back-to-back wins since the Premier League charged the club with over 100 breaches of financial regulations following a four-year investigation a few weeks ago.

Guardiola’s public plea for his squad to raise their hunger in search for a third straight title has seemingly paid dividends, with City looking sharper on the pitch after an inconsistent run of results following the New Year.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, the Manchester City boss was asked for his thoughts on the form recently shown by De Bruyne and Grealish, who have amassed 58 outings amongst themselves across all competitions already this season.

Grealish has been widely praised as one of City’s best and most consistent performers this season and the England international maintained his fine form of late with a decisive strike at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

“Obviously he’s playing really good. I talk to him about his decision making, the quality was always there but the commitment to take the risk in important moments is making the difference. He has to continue,” Guardiola said on City’s record signing.

De Bruyne was dropped to the bench for City’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham two weeks ago but has started in each of his side’s recent wins over Aston Villa and Arsenal.

On the Belgian, Guardiola added: “Really good, it’s like Jack (Grealish), like everyone. I’m so pleased for everything. I had the feeling they can do more, give more and they can do it.”

City can claim a third consecutive win should they beat Forest, with Arsenal facing a tricky test against Aston Villa, led by former Gunners boss Unai Emery, in a lunch-time kick off on Saturday afternoon.