Manuel Pellegrini has praised Joe Hart after his performance during Manchester City's 2-1 win over Liverpool.

The 26-year-old made a number of saves to help his side move up to second in the Premier League table, and Pellegrini was delighted at how he played, despite leaving him on the bench for a number of recent fixtures.

"I'm very pleased with Joe, not only for his performance today, but in all of the games he's played in the last month he's played very well," he told the club's official website.

"I thought it was good for Joe to have a rest – he was not in his best moment he's played all of the games for three years - sometimes it's good to have a rest.

"He's worked very hard for the last six weeks and now he puts in a normal performance and showed he's the best goalkeeper in England."

Manchester City host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.