Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed frustration after his side dropped vital points in the Premier League title race, playing out a goalless draw against Sunderland.
The match, decided on a freezing Thursday night at the Stadium of Light, saw City dominate possession with 67 per cent and create several chances, but they failed to find a breakthrough against a well-organised Sunderland defence. The result handed Arsenal a major boost, pushing the Gunners four points clear at the top of the table.
Despite recording 14 goal attempts, Guardiola admitted his team lacked cutting edge in front of goal, noting that missed opportunities proved costly. Sunderland, confident at home this season, defended resolutely to extend their unbeaten run.
With the title race tightening, City’s slip has shifted momentum in Arsenal’s favour as pressure mounts on the champions.
“The second half was excellent. We missed. We could not score in the six-yard box,” Guardiola said.
“How many times have we been in the six-yard box against the keeper or the other one and could not convert.
“Of course, the threat they have is that they are really good. Really pleased with the performances, especially in the second half.
“We create a lot against that team in this stadium, especially in the second half. In the first half, we struggled simply because we struggled against their pressing, but Rodri gave us the second pass, to break the lines, and we could run. The second half was much better.
“They are so physical. They’re so strong, so it’s not a surprise at that. We take the point. [It’s] a long way.
“The result is always what it is.”
Captain Bernardo Silva admitted City fell short of their own standards, admitting that he and his teammates were not happy about the draw.
“Two different halves,” he said. “In the first half, we didn’t play that well. We didn’t control the counter as well as we should.
“We attacked a bit too quickly, we didn’t move them to find spaces. In the second half, we had a lot more chances, and today was one of those days we couldn’t finish them.
“We are not happy because we wanted better than this.”
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