Manager says his side “lacked the level” to win the game
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola says his side lacked the energy to compete against United in the Manchester derby.
United outplayed and outfought City, defeating them 2-0 at Old Trafford after second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.
“The better team won,” said Guardiola. “They had something we didn’t have – energy. In ten years, this is my 27th derby, I have been many times here, but we didn’t have the level to win this kind of game.
“It happens in a football match. It can happen. In a derby, there is an energy and we didn’t have it. We never made a threat or a cross or a movement to try and win that.
“It is also part of the energy, win or lose it is about what we do with the ball as well, not just without.”
Guardiola has regularly said that energy is a key part of his side’s ability to win games, go on favourable runs and sustain title challenges. This season City have struggled to match Arsenal’s pace at the top, falling seven points behind after the Gunners drew at Nottingham Forest. City captain Bernardo Silva also spoke about his side lacking enough energy to get a result against their local rivals.
“After a day like today, I don’t think we have any excuses,” Silva said. “It was a really bad performance from us. They deserved to win today.
“They had more energy and intention. It always felt like they were close to score and we were never there.
“We gave them what they want. They took the game to where they are good and we are not so good. There was a lot of things missing from us. Definitely a bad day for us.”
