<
>

Claudio Bravo not to blame for Manchester City woes - Joel Robles

Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles has backed Manchester City counterpart Claudio Bravo after he was criticised following City's 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Bravo's performance was questioned after Everton scored from their four shots on target and City boss Pep Guardiola suffered the heaviest league defeat of his managerial career.

But Robles said he believed Bravo was being made a scapegoat for City's poor form and backed the 33-year-old to make a positive impact at the Etihad Stadium.

"The results are not going their way. Someone has to be blamed, and Bravo is facing criticism," the former Atletico Madrid keeper told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

"But you cannot blame Bravo. I believe that in almost every goal, a goalkeeper can do better to prevent them. I'm certain that when dealing with similar situations to the ones he faced against us next weekend, he will save them."

Robles stressed that City still have plenty of quality and backed Guardiola's side to get back to their best.

"City are going through a tough spell but they are still a great team and have very good players," the 26-year-old added.

"They are not meeting the expectations that City has but they will turn things around."

He said leaders Chelsea were the outstanding side in the Premier League this season, praising their "intensity," but added that he felt Manchester United's David De Gea was a better goalkeeper than the Blues' Thibaut Courtois.

ESPN FC correspondent Adriana Garcia contributed to this report.