Jesus moved to 13 goals for the campaign and has been involved in 17 goals this term – and his manager has been suitably impressed by his continued progress.
“He is young and we cannot forget it, but the way he fights is good and of course he has to improve, but every day he is better and better.
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“What Gabriel has shown in his time here - there have been ups and downs - but he has been excellent.
“Sergio is irreplaceable. What he means to our fans, for what he done, the goal against QPR… we need a good backup for all the players and Sergio has a great complimentary player in Gabriel.
“They have a great relationship. Sergio helped us win the last game, today it was Gabriel.”
Pep added he was delighted with the way his team continued the pursuit of Liverpool and Leicester with a second victory in four days.
“We played top, really well,” he said. “I am delighted with the performance.
“Being far away from first place after being champions for two years, normally teams give up and finish 7th or 8th, so I am happy.”
On the two VAR reviews – one that cost City a Phil Foden goal, he opined: “I think it was offside. It was well applied - not like other situations where we have been punished this season.
“You have to continue to play and we did it.”
On the three central defenders option, Pep concluded: “Maybe we will do it again, In the first half against Sheffield United, we played with three at the back, too.
“Not just second half. We changed position but the structure was that.
“We can do it in the future. We played it really well. The five guys are so good with the ball. Riyad receives the ball in better positions and that helps, too.”
