Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Ferran Torres after his hat-trick helped Manchester City to victory against Newcastle United.
Newcastle took the lead against the run of play in the first half. Emil Krafth rose highest from a corner to head in past Scott Carson.
Jonjo Shelvey hit the crossbar with a free-kick shortly after. Pep Guardiola’s men responded well to going behind though as they scored twice in three minutes to go ahead. Joao Cancelo got the first as his deflected shot found the net past Martin Dubravka.
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Torres make it 2-1 shortly after as he superbly placed the ball into the far corner with a cute flick. The first half drama was not done there though as the Magpies were awarded a penalty as Nathan Ake brought down Joelinton.
The striker took it himself and he smashed the ball in to make it 2-2 heading into the break. Steve Bruce’s were handed a chance to take the lead again via another penalty in the 62nd minute. Carson saved Joe Willock’s penalty but the Arsenal youngster was there to tap in the rebound.
Man City hit back again almost immediately. Gabriel Jesus drilled the ball into the area and Torres was there to divert the ball into the net.
Torres rounded off his hat-trick in the 66th minute. Cancelo’s effort struck the post but the ball ricocheted straight to the forward and he did well to adjust before he volleyed it into the net.
City were crowned champions earlier this week and this win moves them 13 points clear at the top.
Guardiola told BBC Sport post-match that Torres may have a future as a striker:
On Torres: “Incredible numbers and goals in his first season in the Premier League,” Guardiola said. “He is so young and clinical. He is a guy brought as a winger but maybe we have to think as a striker, he is a good player.”
“[Raheem Sterling] was comfortable. He play a position up front. When we conceded 3-2 the way his action for 3-3 was magnificent.
“We play against 10 players in the box, they defend so deep. They are so, so fast on the counter. A tough, tough opponent. Even with that we attacked good in the pockets but we conceded three goals in set pieces and we have to improve that.”
“We are incredibly happy for [Carson]. He is an important player for us. He is a real leader and today was an exceptional day to let him play.”
On breaking records/winning runs: “It is what we have done, four years together. When people say you don’t win the Champions League the team is a failure, or the players are a failure or the manager is a failure, football is consistent. The important is you win the Premier League. You have to celebrate, one day train and come here but the spirit was there. Once we were down, come back, 3-2 come back but just learn come back as soon as possible and arrive in the best condition as possible in the final.”
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