Leroy Sane has had to earn his place in the Manchester City line-up after a poor start to the season, according to Pep Guardiola.

The German winger made only his second start of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday; but he made the most of it, scoring a goal and setting up another.

"He didn't arrive good," said Guardiola of Sane. "He didn't make a good pre-season, he wasn't good in those games, and he didn't deserve to play.

"Sometimes players need a bit more time than the others.

"When he arrived last ­season it was a little bit ­ scary – a new country, no ­apartment, living in a hotel, and he had to get used to the tempo of the Premier League, which isn't easy for anyone.

"But once he got it and started to play regularly and score goals, he was at a high level and he's showing that this season, too."