"He didn't make one wrong action" - Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City star's 'mature' performance in win over Leicester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised young forward James McAtee's impressive cameo in the game against Leicester City on Sunday. The forward was a second-half substitute for the Cityzens as they claimed a hugely important 2-0 win away from home.

Guardiola has faced criticism in recent weeks over his management of Manchester City's academy graduates such as Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Morgan Rogers. Another of their graduates, McAtee, is said to be frustrated by his lack of game time after two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and has been linked with a January exit.

McAtee got a chance to impress after he was sent on in place of fellow academy graduate Phil Foden in the 66th minute at the King Power Stadium. The performance of the 22-year-old earned him praise from Guardiola. The Spaniard placed him in the same bracket as Palmer, Lavia, Foden, and other top academy graduates after the game.

“I’ve no doubts on McAtee, at all. He didn't make one wrong action! So mature”. He's a guy from a generation we had that's been unbelievable; Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis... incredible generation here at City,” Guardiola said (via Fabrizio Romano).

McAtee played an important role in his side's second goal, showing superb technique to evade two players before playing the pass that eventually led to the goal. The England U-21 international was positive with his play in the minutes he had, proving his worth to manager Guardiola.

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Pep Guardiola relieved as Manchester City secure win on landmark occasion

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left relieved as his side picked up a 2-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday. The Cityzens won only a second game in their last 14 attempts across competitions to climb to fifth in the league standings after Guardiola's 500th game in charge.

Brazil international Savinho scored his first goal for Manchester City in the 21st minute. He rifled home the rebound from a tight angle after Phil Foden saw a shot saved. Guardiola's side had to wait until the 74th minute for a second goal. Erling Haaland headed home only his fourth goal in 14 appearances following a Savinho cross.

Manchester City survived some shaky moments at the back, including the loss of Nathan Ake to injury, and held on to claim all three points in the game. They won the 362nd game of Guardiola's reign, giving the Spaniard an incredible 72.4% win rate as Cityzens manager.