Derby win gives Pep a selection headache – Dickov | OneFootball

Paul Dickov says the City players have made it tough for Pep Guardiola to make changes following the Manchester derby win.

City got back to winning ways at the Etihad with an impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United with Phil Foden opening the scoring before two goals from Erling Haaland.

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Injuries have cut down the options for Guardiola with several senior players unavailable for the visit of our cross-city rivals.

But speaking after the game on Matchday Live, Dickov says the City boss will have a headache to alter his starting line-up for our clash with Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday at 20:00 (UK).

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“It will be really difficult to change that team [from the derby],” the former City striker said.

“That was one of the best team performances we’ve seen from Manchester City for a long time.

“It was difficult to pick a man of the match because everyone did their job off the ball, and with the ball we looked very expansive and like we could cut up any team open.

“[We were] the best team in the first half and second half, we outplayed them and showed the levels that we are above them. It finished 3-0 but could have been five or six in the end.

“And there were four, five, six or seven players that could have walked away with the man of the match award; absolutely brilliant.”

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Fellow guest Shaun Wright-Phillips agreed that changes will be difficult although he believes that Guardiola will also have to take into account a difficult trip to Arsenal in the Premier League just three days later.

But he said the debut of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made one outstanding save from a Bryan Mbuemo volley, will have given the team plenty of confidence.

“I’d leave it although obviously you have to be careful with fitness,” the former City winger added. “We’ve got Arsenal coming up on the Sunday and you have to look into that as well.

“If you can, I would leave the team that started [against United] for as long as they possibly can.

“What was good and positive about City’s performance as a whole, is that when Manchester United did have their moments, City were resilient.

“They defended well and carried on from there; trying to keep the ball and make things happen.

“Once you have a defence like that and a keeper on his debut that pulled off the save that he did, you know you’re in good hands.

“They just grew and grew and Man United didn’t know what to do about it – it got to that point.”

Ahead of the Gunners, we first face Napoli with Kevin De Bruyne set to return to the Etihad with the visitors for our Champions League opener.

He has made an impressive start with the Italian champions, scoring twice in his first three appearances and while City fans are sure to give him a big welcome home, Wright-Phillips joked that he won’t be doing so.

“I’m not welcoming him because I want him to have a really bad day,” he smiled. “Sorry Kev, I need you to be off your game, just that one day!

“It’s always great when you come back as an ex-player. He’s started over there like a man on fire and it’s something we’ve got to watch out for and be worried about.”