EPL: Give credit to Tottenham, they will punish you – Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted frustration with his players after defeat at Tottenham.

Spurs won 1-0 on Sunday night thanks to Harry Kane’s lone goal.

Guardiola said: “We started really well, as usually happens against Tottenham home and away, but after we made a mistake they punished us – 1-0 down it is different, we had chances, and of course when we lose balls in transition with Kulusevski and Son, it is not easy. We dropped three points.

“But it is not easy when 10 players defend, and sit back a little bit more than in the Etihad two weeks ago. We played good, started well and missed maybe the last pass, to shoot.

“Sooner or later it is going to change, but it is strange we haven’t scored one goal, we have missed penalties in the past. To find an explanation is not easy.

“We found the positions, made good balls to the channels, but missed the last action up front.

“We are not in the position to think about being champions, just the next game, Aston Villa, we will prepare well and play our game as best as possible.

“Tottenham has a fantastic team and squad and they punish you. They have a lot of quality up front and don’t need much with transitions, set pieces, give a lot of credit to them.”

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