In-form Ilkay Gundogan added another two goals to his impressive tally in Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, but he was unable to see the game out after offering Pep Guardiola’s men an injury scare.
Ilkay Gundogan believes this could be the most competitive season he has had with Manchester City and says the Premier League title is a long way from being secured
Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden were the stars of the show as Manchester City moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League with stunning 4-1 victory at champions Liverpool
When David Silva left Manchester City at the end of last season, it was assumed that it would open up a regular starting spot for Phil Foden. While the youngster has had a major impact, it is Ilkay Gundogan who has been the major benefactor of playing in the freed-up role left by the Spaniard’s exit.
The Villa manager can at least take encouragement from the way that the home side have dealt with a similar outbreak of coronavirus cases that threatened to derail City s season.
Guardiola s men were forced to call off their game at Everton on December 28 and closed their training ground for three days before it was reopened after a deep clean.
Although all cases have not been confirmed, the number of first-team players to test positive runs into double figures, with Kyle Walker, Gabriel Jesus, Ederson, Ferran Torres and Ilkay Gundogan among those forced to sit out games this season.
Guardiola has been careful with his players, with Walker and Jesus yet to play in consecutive matches since coming out of quarantine.