Josko Gvardiol has explained why he did not take a penalty to potentially complete his hat-trick in Manchester City's 4-0 Premier League win over Fulham.
The Citizens spent big to recruit the 22-year-old for RB Leipzig last summer - a reported £77m - but the defender is proving to be worth every penny having excelled in his debut campaign under Pep Guardiola.
While Gvardiol has received plenty of plaudits for his contributions at the back this season, he has surprisingly popped up with a number of important goals in recent weeks as Man City continue their pursuit of a record fourth successive Premier League title.
Gvardiol has scored five goals in his last seven appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, including a brace against Fulham, firstly opening the scoring with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner before sliding in at the back post to net his second midway through the second half.
Phil Foden and substitute Julian Alvarez were also on target to help Man City leapfrog title rivals Arsenal and move two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
© Reuters
Gvardiol admits he wanted to take penalty in Fulham win
After Man City were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time following a foul from Issa Diop on Alvarez, some supporters and teammates of Gvardiol were calling for the Croatian to step up for the opportunity to secure his hat-trick and become the first defender in Premier League history to score a treble.
Gvardiol has admitted that he was keen to take the spot kick, but knowing that goal difference could still be important in the closely-fought title race with Arsenal, the defender was comfortable handing it over to Alvarez.
"Another great performance not just from me but from the team as well," Gvardiol told TNT Sports after the game. "It was very difficult, but today we showed again who we are and what we are ready for. Another two goals, I'm happy and a clean sheet.
"We were discussing about me taking the penalty I said I'd like to take it, but we know who is the taker and he takes. In the end it was Julian and I'm happy for him to score a goal.
"No [I'm not doing anything different to score goals]," Gvardiol added. "I just think it's normal in sports. Currently I'm in good form and the end of the season is coming. Three more finals so we need to be ready."
© Reuters
Guardiola praises Gvardiol's "unexpected" goalscoring form
Discussing the form of Gvardiol in front of goal, Guardiola said: "Absolutely unexpected. He is unbelievable with both feet. Normally the left is difficult to find, he is more comfortable with his right.
"[He scored a] big goal at the Santiago Bernabeu (against Real Madrid in the Champions League), a goal today with the right foot - second half he was not at his best, lost a lot of balls, and as a defender you have to be tight.
"For him to add the goals he is it is more than welcome, but he has to be more tight. But he is 22 years old he will improve."
Gvardiol is now focused on a "difficult" match away against Tottenham Hotspur next Tuesday, adding: "[Spurs will be] another final. I played only once there and it was difficult, hopefully it's going to be a good game and good day for us.
"I said many times we need to focus on ourselves and keep going in that way. Of course, we talk about it [goal difference] and we are trying to get there, but it's not easy because Arsenal have quality as well and going well too."
Man City will hope that rivals Manchester United can do them a favour when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Oliver Thomas
