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City claimed their second Champions League win of the season by beating Ukraine outfit Shakhtar 2-0 at the Etihad.

A stunner from Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling’s late strike secured a key win for the Premier League leaders.

And Guardiola insists Delph, who played as a makeshift left-back, was City’s star man.

He said: "Fabian Delph was man of the match.

“When a guy who is so kind and can help the team, he is intelligent, is physical and never loses the ball. He controlled Marlos and did it very well."

Guardiola added: “The way Shakhtar play, they demand a lot of us but our high pressing was brilliant.

“We had problems in the first half, we did not make enough passes in a row but the second half was much, much, much better. We are so, so happy for the win.

"They were very narrow and there was little space in between but then our full-backs were able to dictate and created a lot of chances for another four or five goals.

"Even at 1-0, we were stable. We did not score goals but it was a demanding game. The next game against Napoli will be even tougher.”

City top of Group F, three points ahead of Shakhtar.

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Shakhtar boss Paulo Fonseca said: "I am unhappy because we lost but must be proud with the way we played.

“We showed great courage with the way we behaved on the field - we tried to play, and keep possession and we were attacking very well.

"We were very compact and we were not leaving many gaps for them, and trying to attack them.

“I always watch all the matches of City and this year City have not met a team who has created any problems and that is why I am not happy with the loss.

"I think all our players were playing at a very good level and as I said, it is difficult to come here and demonstrate such courage as our guys have demonstrated today."