Iheanacho: City still coming to terms with Guardiola’s style

Manchester City surrendered some early-season bragging rights in their friendly with Arsenal last night, but once they get used to Pep Guardiola’s all-action style of football striker Kelechi Iheanacho insists they will not be coming out second best.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring in Gothenburg for City but, after Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Chuba Akpom all scored for the Gunners, Iheanacho’s late strike was no more than a consolation.

The 19-year-old Nigerian enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, scoring eight goals for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the Premier League, but is confident that under Spanish maestro Guardiola that number will only rise.

“I’m still learning all the time and trying to take in what he has asked me to do. And I think with the season starting now I’m going to learn even more,” he said.

(OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

“It’s been a great experience working with him so far. He is a great manager so I am happy working under him.

“His style is a very aggressive one that he has brought into the team and it is really starting to come through in the way we are playing as everyone is understanding him.

“It’s a great style, so if we focus and do what he wants us to do we will get the right results.”

Despite the 3-2 loss to Arsenal, Iheanacho believes his side are in strong shape to mount a Premier League title bid, starting with the opening game at home to Sunderland on Saturday.

He added: “It was a good game [against Arsenal] and great experience for us. We played really well in the first half but lost the ball too much in the second.

“We’ll put things in place and work more in training now, to make sure we are doing what the manager requires us to do. But we’re going to have a good season.

“I think the squad is in the right place at the moment, but the season has not started just yet.

“We’re looking forward to the first game and we won’t disappoint; it’s all about getting three points for the club.”