Premier League English

Pep Guardiola ‘happier than ever’ with Man City’s Liverpool draw

Pep Guardiola was not coy in saying he was pleased as Punch with Manchester City’s hard-earned point against Liverpool after a 1-1 draw with the Reds at the Etihad, admitting that Liverpool’s front four caused the Etihad side problems but believes both teams will take encouragement from their stalemate.

The Reds started with Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in attack as they took the lead in the 13th minute through Salah’s penalty, only for Gabriel Jesus to equalise shortly after the half-hour.

Surprisingly, to the agony of his stunned teammates, the usually stoic and dependable Kevin De Bruyne missed a penalty with his kick straying off the left post before the break but Guardiola had no qualms with the final score.

“It was a tight game,” said the City boss. “They start really well, they found space between the lines and runs in behind.

“It is not easy because they are so fast today with four players.

“After the goal we conceded, we were much better, we equalised and the second half was much better.

“We had a clear chance with Gabriel, but there were not many chances. It speaks well for both sides.

“Every team wants three points but one point is one point. We are drawing too much (at the moment) but in general I think it is a fair result.

“How happy am I? A lot, maybe happier than ever. In 12 games we have lost one in all competitions.”

Guardiola, though, was unhappy with his team’s defending for Liverpool’s penalty, with Kyle Walker caught out by a burst from Sadio Mane and upending the Senegalese.

“We concede three penalties (this season), today we concede one because we didn’t learn,” he said.