Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Ederson
Josh Lawless
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had a brilliant reaction to goalkeeper Ederson attempting a Cruyff turn 30 yards out from his goal in the 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade.
City started the defence of their Champions League with a comeback win over the Serbian outfit, who led at half-time through Osmari Bukari's strike.
But a brace from the in-form Julian Alvarez and a fine finish from Rodri turned it around in the second half.
There were a few concerning moments for Guardiola, however - the main one being when his goalkeeper tried to show everyone he has five star skills.
The Brazilian is quite possibly the best in the world with his feet, with an incredible range of passing in that trusty left foot.
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Ederson has ice in his veins and against Red Star, after rushing out of his goal to snuff out a counter attack 30 yards away from goal, he left Guardiola with his heart in his mouth.
The score was 1-1 and instead of smashing the ball into touch, Ederson, who many feel could play in midfield giving his ability on the ball, decided to take an almighty risk with a flick.
It just about came off, the ball deflecting off Cherif Ndiaye and ending up in the path of Ruben Dias.
On co-commentary for TNT Sports, Ally McCoist said: "He’s taking a chance there. I would actually love to know what Guardiola really thinks of that.”
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Almost immediately a replay of Guardiola's reaction was played on TNT's coverage and the Catalan could not have looked more stressed if he tried.
He covered his eyes with his hand, almost in relief that Ederson was let off the hook. The former Benfica man has been Guardiola's No.1 for five years now and after some crucial saves in the Champions League final, the City manager believes he is becoming an even more complete goalkeeper.
"He’s matured and he’s getting even better,” Guardiola said in his press conference ahead of the Red Star game.
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“We are a team that doesn't concede too much and I have the feeling that when the opponents arrive he is there.
“The first save in the one-on-one against [Michail] Antonio, the moments he makes the last touch a little bit longer he was there.
“Especially the corner, with [James] Ward-Prowse he is an incredible threat, and Zouma with the tall incredible headers but he made a good save and at that moment it was 1-1.
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