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Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City for losing just once in 12 games over the course of a packed start to the 2020-21 season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he is “happier than ever” with a start to the season that leaves his team tenth in the Premier League after seven games.
Gabriel Jesus disallowed Mohamed Salah’s early penalty to claim a 1-1 draw against champions Liverpool in a powerful clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Kevin de Bruyne dragged his own kick from wide point of view, meaning City had to settle for a share of the national loot for the third time this season, giving them a loot of 12 points out of a possible 24.
However, Guardiola seems eager to see the bigger picture of three wins out of three in the Champions League, advance to the EFL Cup quarter-finals and a solo, if it punished the 5-2 loss to the leader of the table Leicester City in September.
When asked if he was happy at a post-match press conference, Guardiola replied: “A lot. Maybe happier than ever.
“In 12 games we lost one in all competitions because [against Leicester] we conceded three penalties.
“We haven’t learned yet. Hopefully this is the last time we give opponents a penalty like this.
“But [I am happy] a lot. I see the situation every day with the players in the locker room, that’s why.
“Hopefully the international players return safely without injury and we can continue.”
City’s attack has been well below their prolific standards so far this season, with injuries to forwards Sergio Agüero and Jesús as a key factor.
However, the Brazilian international now has three goals in the same number of games this season, drawing his wonderfully drawn draw following a smashing goal in a 3-0 midweek win over Olympiacos.
“It was really good,” Guardiola said. “I didn’t expect he could last 90 minutes, but he did.
His physique and pace is so strong.
“He helped us, he scored a fantastic goal, a goal from a forward. Good for him.”
City are back in Premier League action after the international break with a trip to Tottenham, which is five points better than them in second place after playing one more game.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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