Guardiola hails City’s hat-trick hero Torres after seven-goal thriller vs Newcastle

MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola has given high praise to Ferran Torres after the forward’s first hat-trick for the club led to a thrilling 4-3 win at Newcastle.

Visitors City fought back to secure their 12th successive Premier League away win to set a new English record.

Spain international Torres hit a stunning treble and Joao Cancelo was also on target as City celebrated their third Premier League title in five years under Guardiola.

“I am delighted for the three goals but he has incredible numbers for first season in England,” Guardiola told reportters.

“He didn’t play during a period of two months much. He came as a winger with incredible runs in behind, but he can play as a striker.

“Every time he plays in that position, he has a real sense of goal. The last one is a big example of that, the intuition to know where the ball comes and be there to score.

“He was fantastic all season. An incredible signing for us, a young player who can play in all three positions for us up front.”

At 21 years and 75 days, Torres is the youngest player to score a league hat-trick for a Guardiola team, with the previous-youngest being Lionel Messi against Tenerife in January 2010 (22 years and 200 days).

During the dramatic game, 40-year-old goalkeeper Scott Carson made his City debut, Newcastle led twice with Joelinton, Emile Krafth and Joelinton scoring for them, and there were two penalties to Newcastle.
Guardiola suggested that such drama was understandable.
“I think it was a brilliant game form both sides, unfortunately no people in stadium,” he said.

“Incredibly tough opponent, we always struggled to beat Newcastle, they are so tough.

“We conceded three goals from set pieces, but I would say it’s normal. After winning Premier League and just one training session it would be a good lesson especially for Brighton and Everton.

“I can understand it because there was a lot of tension in last month with the Champions League and the league.

“People say it’s done but it isn’t done until it’s done. How they run 90 minutes, found every single ball, many things – good goals, good victories and now 13 points clear of United. It’s incredible numbers.

“We will enjoy with the guys then Monday we prepare for Brighton.”