Premier League: Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City's win at Stoke was 'crucial'
Thursday 12 February 2015 12:35, UK
Manuel Pellegrini praised the performances of Sergio Aguero and James Milner in a 4-1 win over Stoke and admitted that Manchester City had been desperate for a victory.
Aguero netted twice in the victory while Milner followed up his injury-time free-kick at the weekend by heading in City's second.
The win is City’s first in the Premier League since New Year’s Day but though leaders Chelsea remain seven points ahead, Pellegrini insists his side will continue to concentrate on their own performances.
"We needed this victory because in the last four games we didn't do it," Pellegrini said.
"Stoke are a tough team. I think we scored just one goal in the last three games against Stoke so to score four goals here is very important for the trust of the team.
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"We will see if we can continue the same way in the future.
"We are not thinking about Chelsea. If they lose points it is good for us but the first thing for our team is to recover the sensation of (being) a good, solid team.
"That was the target and we did it."
On the impact of Aguero, Pellegrini told Sky Sports: “The more Kun (Aguero) plays the more he will return to his level,” Pellegrini told Sky Sports. “He came back after a month out injured and every player needs minutes to get back to their level.
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“Every game he has played he has improved a bit more and it’s important for him to score.
“For Milner it is important to score but it is more important the way he works the whole game, he gives a lot of spirit to our team and plays every ball as if it was the last. It’s very important for him to keep the level for the team.”
Aguero was taken off with an injury shortly after scoring his second from the penalty spot but Pellegrini the striker was withdrawn only as a precaution.
Pellegrini said: "When Sergio has more minutes he will return to his normal level of performance.
"He felt something in the back. My feeling is it is not too serious and he now has 10 days to recover and train well. I hope he will be fit to face Newcastle."
