Guardiola confident Man City will end poor penalty record

Manchester City missed a fourth straight Premier League penalty in Saturday's 1-0 win over Leicester City, but Pep Guardiola is unconcerned.

Published : Feb 23, 2020 17:53 IST

Sergio Aguero reacts to having a penalty saved against Leicester City
Sergio Aguero reacts to having a penalty saved against Leicester City
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Sergio Aguero reacts to having a penalty saved against Leicester City

Pep Guardiola is confident Manchester City will score from its next penalty after his side missed yet another spot-kick in Saturday's late 1-0 win over Leicester City.

Sergio Aguero stepped up in the 62nd minute after Ilkay Gundogan's shot hit Dennis Praet's arm inside the box, but he failed to beat Kasper Schmeichel.

City has now missed each of their last four Premier League penalties, with Aguero joining Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling in failing to convert from 12 yards.

But Guardiola, who has previously suggested goalkeeper Ederson could take over spot-kick duties, is backing City to end its hoodoo soon enough.

"We have missed four penalties in a row, but maybe we will score one when we need it to win something," he told BBC Sport. 

"The [opposition] goalkeepers are good too, but the next one we are going to score!"

Despite Aguero's miss, City took all three points thanks to substitute Jesus' strike 10 minutes from time.

Jesus had only been on the pitch for three minutes, but clinically converted after being slipped in by former Leicester star Riyad Mahrez.

"Whenever I go on the field I try to help my team-mates by finding space," Jesus told Sky Sports.

"Riyad has a lot of quality and I thought 'go' because I know he has the quality to give me the ball. He played a very good ball and I scored."

City heads to Real Madrid on Wednesday for the first leg of its Champions League last-16 tie with some momentum on its side following back-to-back victories.

"The preparation after 12 days off was good," Guardiola added. "We have played two good games and it's good to prepare for Madrid with these good opponents. 

"We are playing the kings of the competition so we will see. We will try to enjoy it and do our game."

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