Pep Guardiola: 'He is so complete' on Nico O'Reilly after Newcastle brace

Nico O'Reilly scored twice as Manchester City beat Newcastle at the Etihad, moving City within two points of table-topping Arsenal. The 20-year-old had just nine senior career goals before the match, and all three goals in a lively encounter came inside the opening 27 minutes, with Lewis Hall's equaliser sandwiched between O'Reilly's strikes.

Pep Guardiola praised the academy graduate's versatility and physical presence in midfield, saying Nico gives the team what it needs in the middle and that he now plays in his position. The manager added that O'Reilly is "so complete and so young" and singled out City academy products including Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.

Former City defender Joleon Lescott also highlighted O'Reilly's ability to fill multiple roles, suggesting the manager trusts him to influence games and that the performance will boost his confidence. Guardiola described the result as massive, praised Newcastle's physicality and speed, and said the players must learn to live with the pressure of a close title race.

nico o'reilly, pep guardiola, manchester city, newcastle, etihad, brace, phil foden, rico lewis, joleon lescott, title race