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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola lamented his side’s failure to capitalize on their chances in the second half as they were held to a draw. 0-0 draw at Sunderland.
The draw means Arsenal are four points clear at the halfway point of the Premier League season, but Guardiola was pleased with his side’s display against the Black Cats – who remain unbeaten at home.
Rodri returned from injury at half-time to improve City’s midfield while opposition captain Granit Xhaka was once again excellent throughout.
Guardiola said: “It was good and we took the point. The second half was excellent. We missed. We couldn’t score in the penalty area.
“How many times have we been in the penalty area against the goalkeeper and couldn’t convert? Of course, the threat they pose, they’re really good. I’m really happy with their performance, especially in the second half.
“We create a lot against this 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, a break to break the lines, and we were able to run. The second half was much better.
“They’re so physical. They’re so strong, so it’s no surprise. We understand the point. [It’s] a long way.
“The result is always what it is.”
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs made four saves and Burnley’s Martin Dúbravka is the only goalkeeper to have made more saves in the Premier League this season.
But City’s Gigi Donnarumma had to make a big save in the first half to deny Brian Brobbey and Sunderland boss Regis le Bris was a happy man.
He said: “It was a good game. Against a very strong opponent, one of the best in Europe. We showed that we can defend high, when they came a little higher with their quality we had to manage the ball in the final third. They created a lot of chances but the character was good. Even when we were on the limit we had a foot, a head, something to protect the ball.
“It was important to escape their counter-press, they were excellent a few weeks ago at the Etihad and it was impossible to escape their counter-press. We did well with that today. We are growing and learning from different experiences.
“It’s about experience, the level of our team is high. They want to improve. If you stay at the same level, the league goes so fast you will be finished. They are always ambitious.”
