Fernandes scored City’s third in the 3-1 victory with a low, drilled effort as the young Blues converted their first half dominance to ensure they maintained pressure on Everton at the top of the Premier League 2 table.
Brahim Diaz and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts had already found the target in the second period for City and Fernandes believes the change came from the words of the boss.
He said: “The manager was quite happy because we moved the ball really well after battling well while a man up. Although we couldn’t get through, we knew they were going to get tired and it would be easier to break them down.
“The big difference in the second half was that he told us to make more runs in behind, that’s something we did and it helped us a lot.”
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Having taken the lead early in the second half, City were pegged back by the 10-man hosts shortly afterwards but it wasn’t something that fazed the team, claims Fernandes.
“We knew that after they scored we had to get to back to our best, we stuck together and then when we scored again we were determined to stay ahead,” he said.
The 18-year-old Spaniard has been in exceptional form throughout the Premier League 2 season but he remains humble.
He said: “All I’m trying to do is work hard every single day and if I get goals it’s even better but I’m happy for the win and the three points. I want to keep playing the way we are and all my focus is on the team.”
Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur on Friday 13 January in the Premier League 2. Visit the ticket office for information on how you can support our future.
