Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling certainly did their coach proud with their fantastic goals in Man City’s thumping 5-0 win against Sporting CP towards qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday but manager Pep Guardiola was still left wanting more.
Guardiola’s side flew out of the starting blocks in the first-leg of their round of 16 tie against the Portuguese champions and were already ahead inside 20 minutes courtesy of goals from Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva.
Bernardo’s second goal plus beauties from Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling brought down the curtains on a decisive City performance, with much of the post-match talk focused on Bernardo and Sterling wonderful efforts.
Both goals were show-stoppers, leading to disagreements in the BT Sport studio over which was better.
“I prefer the Raheem one – it had a bit more spin, it was further out,” Owen Hargreaves said of the England star’s strike, while Rio Ferdinand labelled Bernardo’s effort “breathtaking.”
The debate could go on for weeks, but the significance is that the goals highlighted the difference in City’s performance in each half.
Although City scored four goals before half-time they noticeably did not control proceedings with their usual competence as at 2-0, Sporting broke through to enjoy a temporary resurgence and even actually managed to look dangerous whenever they broke forward throughout the half.
“I honestly think the first half we lost some easy balls and gave them opportunities to counter,” man of the match Bernardo said after the game.
Guardiola echoed similar sentiments, something perhaps unexpected for a coach whose squad had just sealed a dominant 5-0 away from home.
“Some players underperformed,” he said. “We lost easy balls, but today we were so clinical. Every time we arrived [in the Sporting penalty area] in the first 20 minutes, we scored. The difference [between the performances] is not 0-5. They attack with lots of players and we punish them with counters.
“The players know me, we can do better. A few players didn’t do what they have to do in the build-up.”
It was evident to the initiated that City lacked their usual control playing on the counter and Bernardo’s strike was in keeping with this slightly unkempt feel as he pounced on a stray clearance, rammed up the gears as he surged onto the ball and released a spectacular shot.
Undeniably a wild, jaw-dropping moment, one executed brilliantly with a perfect blend of impeccable technique and flair, albeit visceral and not totally in-keeping with City’s usually calm and controlled demeanor.