Raheem Sterling, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Co step it up as Manchester City stars literally go the extra mile to stay top of the Prem for Pep Guardiola
Our show the England ace, Spain magician and Etihad's world-class striker are clocking up sensational mileage under new boss
NEVER let it be said the Manchester City players are not willing to go the extra mile for their new boss Pep Guardiola.
Our stats show that two of the Etihad aces, Raheem Sterling and David Silva, are doing exactly that — and then some.
Out in front is the England youngster, 21, who is averaging 1.8 miles more per GAME than he was in his first season at City.
Despite turning 30 in January, midfield maestro Silva is tucked in just behind him, getting through 1.36 miles more per match.
Some fans worried the man they call Merlin had lost his magic last season but his tireless work-rate has got them under his spell again.
Ex-chief Manuel Pellegrini must be scratching his head and wondering if all his players were really trying last season.
It is not just those two though.
As well as looking leaner, star striker Sergio Aguero is also running an additional mile every 90 minutes now.
The Argentine, 28, said: “Pep demands the same of everyone and he does the same to me. I have to help to mark, to help on the offensive side — defend and attack.”
Sterling, another who has been rejuvenated by the Pep effect, added: “The manager gives everyone confidence. You are always fired up.
“This team is growing. Relationships are developing, the team spirit is great — on the pitch we are fighting for each other and we need to keep that going.”
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Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Kelechi Iheanacho and Gael Clichy have all been running their socks off for Guardiola, too.
In fact, the only one doing less than he was last year is defender Nicolas Otamendi — the Spaniard might not be happy when he finds out.
Defender Clichy reckons putting in the hard yards is the only way to get to where Guardiola wants them to be.
He said: “That’s the way football has to be. Many years ago, you could have a few players who were not running.
“But in the last six years or so, you see the best teams in Europe, winning the Champions League or their league because they put in the effort.”
BORO GO THE DISTANCE
MIDDLESBROUGH ran more miles than any team in the Prem this weekend. Jamie Vardy was the fastest player for the second week in a row.
MOST MILES COVERED AT WEEKEND (TEAMS)
Middlesbrough 73.9
Tottenham 73.8
Manchester City 73.6
Arsenal 70.9
Liverpool 70.8
Swansea 70.5
Chelsea 69.7
Bournemouth 68.5
Sunderland 67.7
Crystal Palace 67.4
West Brom 67.3
Southampton 67.0
Manchester United 66.4
Leicester 66.0
West Ham 65.7
Stoke 64.9
Everton 64.4
Hull 62.3
MOST MILES COVERED (PLAYERS)
M de Roon (Boro) 7.8
Dele (Spurs) 7.7
N Matic (Chelsea) 7.6
C Eriksen (Spurs) 7.6
N Kante (Chelsea) 7.5
G Sigurdsson (Swansea) 7.4
A Surman (B’mouth) 7.3
D Silva (Man City) 7.3
C Stuani (Boro) 7.3
V Wanyama (Spurs) 7.2
FASTEST PLAYERS — TOP SPEED (MPH)
J Vardy (Leicester) 21.8
E Bailly (Man Utd) 21.6
M Arnautovic (Stoke) 21.6
E Pieters (Stoke) 21.5
K Walker (Spurs) 21.5
A Traore (Boro) 21.4
M Rashford (Man Utd) 21.3
M Batshuayi (Chelsea) 21.2
H Bellerin (Arsenal) 21.0
C Wilson (B’mouth) 21.0
MOST SPRINTS
R Firmino (Liverpool) 82
R Sterling (Man City) 82
J Lingard (Man Utd) 79
N Redmond (Soton) 75
H Bellerin (Arsenal) 72
J Puncheon (C Palace) 71
C Azpilicueta (Chelsea) 70
D Watmore (S’land) 70