Savinho’s “incredible” performance against Sunderland to secure “a lot of minutes” says Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola will grant Savinho “a lot of minutes” after what he perceived to be an “incredible” performance against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester City’s 3–0 win at the Etihad Stadium brought them within touching distance of Arsenal at the top of the table, whilst serving as a platform for individual attacking displays. While Rayan Cherki earned plaudits for a creative flourish in the build-up to City’s third, it was Savinho’s short but relentless showing that left Guardiola visibly energised.

City’s dominance unfolded gradually, with Sunderland resisting in a compact low block for long stretches of the first half. The breakthrough arrived via an audacious long-range strike from Rúben Dias, followed minutes later by Joško Gvardiol rising highest from a corner.

A third goal later in the match ensured the result, but beyond the scoreboard, manager Guardiola was focused on effort, discipline, and what he labelled “the toughest moments” for his players.

The Catalan has been insistent that young attackers must pair creativity with defensive work, especially when introduced from the bench. Savinho’s late cameo provided exactly the energy he demands, and more importantly, the recovery effort he had been urging in prior matches.

Speaking to reporters after the contest, and when originally asked about Cherki’s behaviour and personality on the pitch, Guardiola turned towards immense praise for a direct rival on the right-hand side of Manchester City’s front-three.

“There was an action in Fulham that Savio lost the ball; the action for the cross to the second post, Erling [Haaland] went, and he didn’t run back. I told him,” revealed Guardiola. “Today, he lost one or two balls, and in two seconds he was a full-back. Savio is going to play a lot of minutes!”

Continuing on the subject of the Brazilian, Guardiola said, “Today I was incredibly pleased for the 15, 20 minutes from Savio. INCREDIBLE. Two actions he lost the ball, and he was a machine [to win it back/defend].

“He doesn’t like to listen, but I have to tell him because when you make an incredible cross and it was 2-5 [vs Fulham]? No, if you lose the ball, you work. If you come on from the bench, you have to run double [as hard], because the other guys are tired!

“And today he has done it three times, three times! Like a machine! And he makes a foul, goes there. Savio is going to play a lot of minutes! He’s going to play with us!”

Pep Guardiola’s vocal backing almost certainly signals an increased role for Savinho as the season enters a congested period. With Manchester City battling on multiple fronts, the manager frequently turns to players who can shift momentum instantly, and Savinho’s energy fits that mould perfectly.

The winger’s defensive work rate may accelerate his increased re-integration faster than expected, and there will now be discussions about how Savinho fits alongside established wide options or even displaces Rayan Cherki given his performances.

His ability to press, recover the ball, and attack in transition offers something distinct from Manchester City’s more possession-oriented wingers, potentially making him a tactical weapon in matches where Pep Guardiola needs intensity rather than control.