Pep praises ‘incredible’ Manchester City star in ‘important’ win for PL title chances

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised the performance of defender Aymeric Laporte, who shone in the win over Leeds.

Leeds had looked dangerous in the first-half but found themselves behind thanks to a header from Rodri.

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City then turned on the style in the second-half with Nathan Ake grabbing another goal from a set piece before Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho wrapped up the points in the final few minutes. 

Defender Laporte suffered a nasty looking head injury in the first half after clashing with Leeds defender Robin Koch but both were able to carry on.

The Spanish international put in a number of blocks, challenges and headers to help City withstand pressure from Leeds and his manager has praised his performance.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: “We knew coming here the way they play, we suffered a lot in the first half. But in the end we had control and could have scored more. An incredible result for us.

“They are so fast up front. Today was so important to make our chances to be champions again.

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“We defended well and sometimes these type of games set-pieces become so important. With Nathan Ake on the pitch, we are so strong.

“What a game Laporte played, he is doing an incredible season. We have five games to go, potentially six until the end of the season.

“I prefer to feel less pressure than I am feeling. It is a long season and this is the last effort.”

Laporte also spoke to the media, and was well aware of the importance of the win but admitted he wasn’t sure what