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Premier League
Feb 2, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
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Aguero (16')

Manuel Pellegrini: 'Defensive outlook was needed'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists that his side's defensive approach during their 1-0 win away at Sunderland was a necessary tactic.

Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that his Manchester City team had no choice but to switch to defensive tactics during their 1-0 win away at Sunderland.

The Citizens broke the deadlock at the Stadium of Light through Sergio Aguero in the 16th minute, but after that they spent much of the game on the back foot.

The second-half introductions of Fernandinho and Aleksandar Kolarov provided City with more defence-minded players - something that Pellegrini has stressed was necessary.

"It was a tough game. This is a team who are fighting relegation. They will play every game like a final," the Chilean told BBC Sport.

"It is not our style to play with nine defenders but it was our third game in a week and it was impossible to have a high pace with all our injuries. It was better to defend well and concentrate."

The victory has left City second in the table, three points adrift of leaders Leicester City.

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Roberto Martinez and Manuel Pellegrini pictured on January 10, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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