Pep Guardiola refused to criticise his Manchester City side after they surrendered the lead twice at Newcastle in a 2-2 draw as their hopes of a third successive Premier League crown took another blow.
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Raheem Sterling’s 22-minute opener was cancelled out by Jetro Willems three minutes later, before Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning volley restored City’s advantage with eight minutes remaining – only for Jonjo Shelvey to grab a late equaliser with a fine strike.
Liverpool’s victory over Brighton sees Jurgen Klopp’s men go 11 points clear of City and puts them in a seemingly unassailable position to land a first league title in 30 years.
City dominated possession against a defence-minded Newcastle side, and speaking after the game Guardiola highlighted how ‘difficult’ it is to play against a side adopting that approach.
“We concede two shots on target and let in two goals. It’s very difficult when 10 players are defending in the 18-yard box,” he told talkSPORT.
“Kevin scored an outstanding goal and after we were not able to hold the lead. We played as a 5-4-1 as in that system we are more fluid and create more chances. I have no complaints with my team’s performance.”
Guardiola’s men have a packed festive schedule with nine games in 90 days, something the Spaniard admits he isn’t a fan of.
“It is what it is. I don’t like it [fixture congestion] but we have to do what we’ve got to do.
“I said yesterday when we were nine points behind, it’s not the mindset to think about catching them [Liverpool], it’s about concentrating on each game as it comes and trying to win.”