Pep Guardiola believes that Southampton are “one of the best in the Premier League” at defending with the ball.
Manchester City narrowly defeated the Saints at Eastlands on Saturday afternoon thanks to an early Erling Haaland goal, but could not build on their lead despite taking 22 shots and creating four big chances.
“The way they played, they are so demanding. They defend with the ball. You can defend with the ball and they are really good, one of the best in the Premier League,” Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day.
“They didn’t create many chances, but we created a lot but unfortunately we could not score the second.
“Big credit to them, it was not because we were sloppy or flat. I don’t have that feeling. I think we were there and sometimes they are good. We have to accept that.”
Haaland had a number of chances inside the six-yard box, but Guardiola had sympathy for the Norwegian over the treatment he was getting from the Southampton defenders.
“It is not easy for him because every cross is a penalty for Erling – the way they pull him,” he said. “We create more but we could not score the second, but Erling is a guarantee for us.”
Guardiola picked out Savinho and Matheus Nunes for praise. “Really good,” he said. “Savinho was creating all the chances, right to left. I would say really good.
“And Matheus is not in a position that is not his natural position again so offensively and defensively, make another assist. He played really good.”
Mateo Kovacic once again filled in for Rodri in a deep midfield role. “He’s a incredible man and player. We miss Rodri a lot this season, he’s such an important player. At the same time we have to continue to do it.”
