The City boss praised the Welsh side’s doggedness but feared a familiar outcome to several other home games this season when the visitors levelled on 81 minutes.
“We were close to not winning the game,” said Pep. “I think over the 90 minutes we deserved to win but the gap between our first half display and our second was too big.
“I remember what happened against Middlesbrough and thought it was going to happen again today, so we were lucky to score in the last minute.
“In general the performance was brilliant, but I want to give credit to Swansea. They didn’t allow us to press in the second half and at just 1-0 anything can happen. The performance in general was good and I’m happy with the three points.
“Swansea know exactly what they have to do. They are strong in the box so what they do in terms of compact defending is really impressive. I saw them against Liverpool and I knew it would be tough to attack them. The way we played in the first 45 minutes was what I want from my team but the second half it was a bit different and we have to improve on that in future.”
The Blues’ boss was understandably delighted with teenage talent Gabriel Jesus whose two goals secured the three points against Swansea.
Said Pep: “Gabriel Jesus made again a lot of things happen with and without the ball. In the box he has instinct to score goals. He is a fighter and is only 19 and that’s why we’re delighted with what he’s done so far.
“When we buy players. every manager in the world expect the best. Most of the big clubs in Europe wanted Jesus but he came to us and he is a big signing for this Club.
“When you arrive in pre-season, you have time to know, train and play with your teammates - but when you arrive mid-season it is harder. He is hungry, has desire and has shown us so many good things.
“There are 19 year-olds who are physically strong and some who aren’t. That guy in the box has something special. His first touch is good but his second or third touch has to improve.
“He’s so intelligent and we are surprised because sometimes guys need a lot of time to settle and with others it’s immediate. There are a lot of games, we will see. Now he deserved to be in the team but we’ll see what happens in the next game.”
The Catalan also had praise for Sergio Aguero who he said had a “perfect attitude”.
“It has not been easy for Sergio, but there are five guys in this position and he remains one of the most important players in our squad.
“He’s going to play with and without Gabriel, but today I decided to stick with the three guys up front because they played so well against Palace and West Ham
“His reaction to not starting today was perfect. Don’t worry about that. It is difficult to leave players like Bravo, Fernando, Otamendi and Kelechi out because they all deserve to play.”
https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/2017/02/06/talking-points-yaya-kolarov-chelsea/1486381810611
