Bola.net – Josko Gvardiol has the opportunity to write his name in the history books as the first defender to score a hat trick in the Premier League. However, the player from Croatia rejected this fantastic record.
Gvardiol took part when Manchester City hosted Fulham in Week 37 of the Premier League, Saturday (11/5/2024). In the duel at Craven Cottage, Man City won a landslide victory with a score of 4-0.
Played from the early minutes, Gvardiol appeared extraordinary. Not only did he help Man City record a clean sheet, Gvardiol also scored a goal. He scored two goals, in the 13th and 71st minutes.
In fact, in the 90+6 minute, Gvardiol was asked by his teammates to take a penalty and had a chance for a hat trick. However, Gvardiol rejected it. Check out the full review below Bolaneters.
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Gvardiol Denies Hattrick
Premier League 2023/2024: Timothy Castagne (right) vs Josko Gvardiol in the Fulham vs Man City match in week 37 (c) AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
For an attacker, scoring a hat trick or three goals is a special achievement. This moment doesn’t happen every match, especially for defenders. A hat trick is a very rare moment.
Quoted from ESPN, no defender has ever recorded a hat trick in the Premier League. Gvardiol has the opportunity to become the first defender to score a hat trick in Premier League history.
That moment occurred when the Man City players asked the former RB Leipzig player to take a penalty. However, Gvardiol denied a penalty and a hat trick.
“I said that the penalty taker should take it. We were in a position to score as many goals as possible and Julian scored the penalty in the end. I’m happy, he’s happy, the team is happy,” he said.
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Received praise from Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola (c) AP Photo/Dave Thompson
In Pep Guardiola’s hands, Josko Gvardiol became a different player. From a center back, Gvardiol now plays more often as a left back. The transformation went smoothly because Gvardiol was considered intelligent.
“He moves very well with both feet. Usually left-footed players have difficulty with the ball on the right, but he was the opposite,” said Guardiola.
“One of the best defensive wingers on the planet. He is very calm in front of goal, plays very well and is very happy,” he emphasized.
Source: BBC Sports
