Guardiola explains why Aguero and Jesus started together vs Aston Villa

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to field both Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI which faced Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Both men were on the bench during City's win in the Carabao Cup against Manchester United as Guardiola opted to use Bernardo Silva up front to keep City pressed high up the pitch.

However, for the first time since September 2018, the City boss named both Aguero and Jesus in the starting XI of a Premier League fixture, with the Brazilian operating on the left of attack.

Guardiola explained his decision to field both forwards was tactical.

"We know they play at five at the back so we put one more player close to the box to try and score goals," he said before the game.

"We'll play as normal. We'll try to press hard, to play in their half, to try and pass the ball and score goals."

Villa boss Dean Smith opted to field no strikers against the Blues with Jack Grealish featuring in a false nine role.

Guardiola was quick to point out Villa's recent results despite their injury woes.

He added: "They've got good results in their last two games against Burnley and in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Maybe with the injuries to Wesley and other important players, they don't have alternatives.

"I'm not here to judge why my colleagues make these decisions. I am pretty sure they are strong enough."