Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he always knew that Chelsea would be tough opponents following the 4-4 draw on Sunday evening.
The Cityzens took the lead on three separate occasions but they were unable to secure the three points. Guardiola was, though, keen to praise his rivals after the match:
“I had an opinion before, during and after about how good they are and nothing has changed. Chelsea is Chelsea and they have been one of the best teams of the last 20 years so I couldn’t expect anything different.”
Supporters on X weren’t particularly impressed with Guardiola’s comments, with many feeling that City were very poor defensively:
why is he like this
— Temmy (@Geuafeu) November 12, 2023
no, it was because our poor defence
— Lukkrecia (@Lukkreciax) November 12, 2023
Saying all this when deep down he knows our defense wasn't upto the mark.
— L lagane aaya L (@Footytakessss) November 12, 2023
??
— may (@ourimys) November 12, 2023
Am having PTSD of city Vs spurs with poch
— Beast Marsden (@TheOmniBeastt) November 12, 2023
Pep played an open game. Fair play to him, but pls don't do that for a full 90minutes ever again
— Abuchi Emmanuel cna (@AbuchiEmmanue12) November 12, 2023
City were way too open at the back
When you watch the Premier League champions, they usually have an element of control over proceedings, whether they play home or away. That wasn’t the case at the weekend.
It was a very chaotic game. Some of that was down to Chelsea’s tactical setup, where they pressed high and forced City’s players into mistakes. However, Guardiola’s team did not have their usual intensity, leaving big gaps for their opponents to exploit.
A draw at Stamford Bridge is not the end of the world
With two of their title rivals, Arsenal and Liverpool, having also dropped points at the same ground, Guardiola may feel that a draw is not a bad result.
There isn’t much cause for alarm, considering City remain top of the table heading into the international break.
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