City boss says it’s “a mystery” his side failed to score but is not disappointed to draw at “tough” Stadium of Light
Manchester City lost momentum in the title race with a goalless draw at Sunderland but Pep Guardiola said his side were happy to “take the point”.
City arrived at the Stadium of Light chasing a ninth straight win in all competitions but were frustrated by Sunderland’s intensity and their own struggles to convert their chances.
It was the first time this season Guardiola’s team had been shut out in the league, and the missed opportunity was clear with Arsenal having heavily defeated Aston Villa on Tuesday. The Gunners are now four points clear at the summit.
“I’ll take the point against this team at this stadium,” said an upbeat Guardiola. “It was a really good game.
“In the first half we struggled against their pressing. Sunderland are really good, they are so strong, so physical. It’s a tough place to come.”
City improved markedly after the break, helped by the introduction of Rodri following an injury to Nico Gonzalez. The Spain international is still working his way back to full fitness but his quality was on display as he added more control to City’s midfield.
“He changed the game,” Guardiola said. “He proved in 45 minutes that he is the best in his position. Football is about the players. In the buildup we struggled and with Rodri we struggled less. He broke the lines, we moved better and one year and a half without him we missed him a lot.”
Despite the improved second-half showing, City could not find a way past Sunderland’s defence. Several chances came from close range but were wasted, leaving Guardiola searching for answers.
“The amount of chances we missed in the six-yard box, not difficult ones, we could not convert,” he said. “We just missed a finishing touch. It’s a mystery that we could not score.”
The draw ended City’s eight-game winning run and allowed Arsenal to open up daylight at the top, though Guardiola pointed out that Sunderland have been a problem for others too.
“The Gunners also dropped points here,” he said, adding: “We did everything we could to win.”
