Manchester City supervisor Pep Guardiola praised the depth of his Premier League champions after a 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday regardless of admitting to some booze-fuelled celebrations a little bit over 48 hours earlier than.
For the primary time since February, City dropped league factors as a shocking purpose by Brighton’s Paraguayan teenager Julio Enciso snapped its 12-game profitable run within the league.
Erling Haaland, who arrange Phil Foden’s opener, had a late purpose disallowed, leading to a yellow card for Guardiola who merely hates dropping factors.
City has yet another league recreation left earlier than an FA Cup ultimate in opposition to Manchester United after which a Champions League ultimate in opposition to Inter Milan.
Victories in each will see City match Manchester United’s treble, so Guardiola’s facet might need been excused taking their foot off the fuel having gained a fifth title in six seasons on the weekend. That it didn’t win, nonetheless, was extra to do with a wonderful Brighton facet who sealed a Europa League spot.
“Exceptional game. Congratulations to Brighton for their deserved qualification to the Europa League,” Guardiola informed Sky Sports. “The game we played, 48 hours after we drank all the alcohol in Manchester, 48 hours later we behaved and we showed why we were the champions against that team.
“We showed what we have done with and without the ball. I didn’t see one drop in our intensity and idea. They had chances, we had chances, we scored a goal, they scored a goal.
“Both teams want the ball, both teams want to press. The keepers are fundamental in this game. The quality (Brighton) have, they are an exceptional team.”
Guardiola shared some jokes in the course of the recreation with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and warmly congratulated the house gamers.
But he was indignant that Haaland’s purpose was disallowed for shirt-pulling.
“Watch it. Watch it, if it’s a fault, every action for Erling is a fault,” he mentioned of his 52-goal striker.
Guardiola mentioned his facet can not afford to lose any momentum as they search to make historical past.
“I didn’t see it, against Chelsea I didn’t see it today. During the week we have to rest, recover mentally,” he mentioned.
“It’s been demanding for the past six months playing Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, chasing Arsenal.
“The training now is just relaxed.”
Brighton’s level means it could possibly make plans for the Europa League, the membership’s first European enterprise.
“What an achievement, what a club, what a group of guys. The togetherness, the culture and we are driven in by a top, top manager. Special times,” keeper Jason Steele mentioned.
