His side kicked off the New Year with a 4-1 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium to make it back-to-back victories.
The Brazilian, who joined in the summer, was in sparkling form with key impacts in the opening three goals to add to his first City goal in the 2-0 win at Leicester to close out 2024.
Savinho’s 10th minute strike against West Ham was deflected in off Vladimir Coufal before he produced two sumptuous assists expertly rounded off by Erling Haaland.
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And Guardiola believes that City wingers have to respond to his high level if they are to oust him from the side.
“What happened with Savinho delivery in the box is higher than the other wingers in the same position,” the boss said in his postmatch news conference.
“They (the other wingers) have to feel they are going to fight with Savinho to play.
“Anyone in this room think Savinho doesn’t deserve to play? No, because he produces.
“The goal the other day was brilliant [and now] two unbelievable assists, the second from the beginning was top.”
Watch the second part of Pep’s press conference in the video above…
