Joleon Lescott was left impressed today by the performance of Rico Lewis in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Pep Guardiola’s side have played out another score draw in the Premier League, with Spurs putting on another counter-attacking clinic at the Etihad Stadium.
City had a plethora of chances in the game and should have killed Spurs off by half-time.
But there is something missing at the moment, and Pep will be hoping for improvements at both ends of the pitch.
It is now 10 goals conceded in the last four games and it is concerning to see, given how strong the defence was last term.
There were some shaky displays today, but one man who impressed was Rico Lewis, who came off the bench…
Joleon Lescott praises Rico Lewis after Manchester City 3-3 Tottenham
Lewis was introduced to the action with around 25 minutes to go, replacing Phil Foden.
This was a bold move by Guardiola, because Foden had been playing well in the game and had obviously scored meaning his confidence would have been high.
But £25,000-a-week youngster Lewis came on and was nothing but positive.
The 19-year-old played centrally and was always showing for the ball and just injecting a bit more energy into City.
This was impressive considering how frenetic the game was.
After the game, former City defender Lescott spoke about Lewis on City’s Matchday Live show on YouTube. He said: “I don’t think we should be surprised by that anymore. There’s so many times, like last season when he came on at Spurs, at Chelsea at half-time. He’s affecting the games, wherever he’s playing, whether it’s right-back or centre midfield.
“The manager respects his contribution and understands what he can do. I don’t think we should be surprised what he’s doing anymore.”
Lewis brilliant vs Spurs
Lewis can hold his head high tonight – he put in a brilliant cameo performance and it was not an easy came to come into.
It was intense and frenetic, and yet Lewis just took everything in his stride and used the ball really well, completing 10/11 passes (91%). He also created one big chance (via Sofascore).
It was a huge show of faith for Guardiola to put him on, with the game still delicately balanced at 2-2.
It just shows the high regard in which the manager holds the teenager, and hopefully he can keep getting as many opportunities as possible.
