‘Almost impossible against them’ – Guardiola lauds Liverpool and reveals major Man City regret

Pep Guardiola described Liverpool’s attacking options as “incredible” after bemoaning the “huge opportunity” Man City let slip.

Man City were twice pegged back by Liverpool but secured a draw that ensured they remain the frontrunners in the Premier League title race. The hosts struck early through Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian’s deflected shot went in off the post.

Liverpool hit back through Diogo Jota but Guardiola’s side looked the more imposing threat for much of the first half.

The impressive Gabriel Jesus – selected ahead of Riyad Mahrez – put City back in front with a well taken goal. The Brazilian sprung the offside trap when being played onside by Joel Matip who laboured to push out following a corner.

Jesus left Trent Alexander-Arnold in his wake before side-footing past Alisson in a finish that was far harder than it looked.

However, Liverpool refused to lay down and caught Man City cold just 47 seconds after the break. Sadio Mane equalised with the 2-2 result leaving the title race finely balanced.

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Speaking to the BBC after the match, Guardiola was fulsome in his praise of Liverpool and admitted to being regretful his side couldn’t “make a stamp” on Liverpool with three points.

“It is what it is,” said the Spaniard.

“Against that team it was almost impossible. You have to play these types of games. We are top of the table still so we have a feeling that we miss a huge opportunity to make a stamp but there are many games left.

“You are a manager for these types of games of course. The way we play these teams with those threats up front… They are incredible.

“With our courage of play and the chances we had, especially in the last minute… We defended incredibly well and created a few chances. We go forward.

“I don’t have any regrets. They can miss whatever they want. It was positive. It is football and it happens.

“We will relax a little bit then prepare for the Champions League.”

“We had the upper hand” – De Bruyne

Goalscorer De Bruyne also spoke to the press, telling Sky Sports: “It was hard. To be fair I think we played excellent. The way we played was very good and we should score more. It is what it is. It was a great game.

“I think it should [be more before half-time] but we were still winning. The way the second half started is the disappointment. I think we played great and created enough chances to win the game.”

On Riyad Mahrez’s late chance to snatch all three points, De Bruyne added: “It’s a great chance. Riyad chose to chip and if it goes in it’s a wonder goal.

“Today we played very well, I think we had the upper hand. This is the way we need to play the rest of the season.”

When asked who benefits from the draw more, the Belgian concluded: “It’s similar.

“I know people said whoever wins gets the title. But it’s too hard, the schedule is too tough for both teams to win every game, but we will try.”