Gabriel Jesus’ second half strike was enough to earn a deserved three points at Stamford Bridge, in a game which City dominated from start to finish and prevented the hosts from registering a single shot on target.
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Bernardo’s display was indicative of the entire team’s performance, with his energy, industry and composure from midfield all crucial in thwarting Thomas Tuchel’s side.
And Guardiola was hugely satisfied with the role the Portuguese international played in claiming a vital three points against Chelsea.
“What a player. What a performance,” the City boss reflected.
“He’s so intuitive, it’s not his role as a holding midfielder but he knows perfectly (and) anticipates what is going to happen, with and without the ball.
“Our build-up helped us to beat these extra passes and defensively how many crosses we stopped in the second half when Chelsea were making a lot of crosses.
“(He is) an exceptional player. All I want for Bernardo is to be happy, here and everywhere, number one is his happiness because he’s a guy who deserves the best.”
Although the City boss was delighted with Bernardo’s performance at Stamford Bridge, he pointed out that it was simply a continuation of the 27-year-old’s excellent early season form.
For Guardiola, Bernardo is hitting the same heights as a standout 2018-19 campaign, when the midfielder made the PFA Team of the Year and won the Etihad Player of the Season award as the Club secured an unprecedented domestic clean sweep.
“Against Norwich he was exceptional, against Arsenal he was exceptional.
“How good he played today wasn’t a surprise. How many times have we seen it, (he was) an incredible signing for us because he’s an exceptional person.
“I’ll never forget the second Premier League we won with 98 points (2018-19), he was the best player in England.
“After that he dropped a little bit, but now he’s back and hopefully he can help us.
“At the end if he wants to leave, all I can say is the guy at the club who takes Bernardo is taking one of the best players in the world.”
