Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was “really proud” of his team after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at home, but he had high praise for one moment of brilliance.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the first half with a typically good finish, but it was Nathan Ake who made the goal possible with a fantastic assist.
The Dutch centre-back picked up possession in the final third following a poor kick out from Alisson Becker, before dancing past Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai and playing the ball into the Norwegian striker.
“It was really good and the action from Nathan was perfect. We know the quality of Erling,” Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day.
Man City created the better chances on the day, but Alexander-Arnold equalised for Liverpool with just over ten minutes left on the clock, ensuring the hosts dropped points at the Etihad in the Premier League for the first time in 2023.
“That was an excellent performance,” he said. “I am really proud that after eight years we are still playing that way. We were really good in all departments and needed to be against an incredible team.
“Maybe we missed the last pass a little bit but they defended really well. To concede just two shots on target against Liverpool is a big compliment for the way we work.”