Guardiola sounds salute to hat-trick hero Torres | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola praised the ‘incredible’ contribution of Ferran Torres after the Spanish winger’s first hat-trick for City secured a thrilling 4-3 win at Newcastle.

In a remarkable game on Tyneside, City fought back from falling 3-2 behind to record our 12th successive Premier League away win to create a new English record.

And leading the way was Spanish international Torres who bagged a superb treble with Joao Cancelo also on target for the newly crowned English champions.

Reflecting on the win and Torres’ contributions, Guardiola was effusive in his praise for the 21-year-old joined City from Valencia last summer.

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“I am delighted for the three goals but he has incredible numbers for first season in England,” declared the City boss.

“He didn’t play during a period of two months much. He came as a winger with incredible runs in behind, but he can play as a striker.

“Every time he plays in that position, he has a real sense of goal. The last one is a big example of that, the intuition to know where the ball comes and be there to score.

“He was fantastic all season. An incredible signing for us, a young player who can play in all three positions for us up front.”

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It was City’s first game after we were officially confirmed as champions earlier this week.

And it proved to be an eventful night with Scott Carson making his City debut in goal,  Newcastle scoring twice from the penalty spot but City also showing our character and class to fight back and claim a dramatic but deserved win.

And the boss said such a topsy-turvy affair was understandable after such an eventful and draining week.

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“I think it was a brilliant game form both sides, unfortunately no people in stadium,” said Guardiola.

“Incredibly tough opponent, we always struggled to beat Newcastle, they are so tough.

“We conceded three goals from set pieces, but I would say it’s normal. After winning Premier League and just one training session it would be a good lesson especially for Brighton and Everton.

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“I can understand it because there was a lot of tension in last month with the Champions League and the league.

“People say it’s done but it isn’t done until it’s done. How they run 90 minutes, found every single ball, many things - good goals, good victories and now 13 points clear of United. It’s incredible numbers.

“We will enjoy with the guys then Monday we prepare for Brighton.”