Man City vs Chelsea: Pep Guardiola reacts as City’s title defence suffer setback

Manchester City’s title defence suffered a setback after the defending champions were held 1-1 at home by Chelsea.

Raheem Sterling gave Chelsea the lead against his old team just before half-time to register an intimidating intention of snatching the entire three points.

However, Manchester City fought back as Rodri dramatically rescued a point with a late equaliser to deny Chelsea victory.

The 1-1 draw also means that the defending champions will maintain their long unbeaten home record.

Reacting to the game, City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola said, “It was a good game. First half we didn’t perform too good, second half really good. We had chances and in the second half we were better,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

Speaking about Haaland’s nine attempts without scoring, he added: “I played 11 years and scored 11 goals so I can’t give too much advice to Erling. The next one he will score. In the first half we didn’t perform well and that’s what we have to improve.”

Rodri: We have to defend better

“I think we weren’t great in the first half. We conceded another easy goal. I think we have to defend better,” Rodri told Sky Sports.

“We knew about their counter-attacks and fast players, but we have to defend the counter-attack better. From there, it’s always more difficult to come back.

“It’s a matter of defending better.”

On his part, Chelsea’s coach, Mauricio Pochettino admits he was very happy with his Chelsea side’s performance.

“It was a very good performance,” Pochettino told Sky Sports.

“Very pleased. I think that is the spirit that we want to show. We are working for that. I think they are the best team in the world and to show this performance, I think we need to be proud. We were very brave.

“First half was really good. I think we were aggressive with the ball going forward and winning duels. In the second half I think they dominated and they forced us to defend deeper.

“I think we sustained the effort and had some chances to win the game. I am so happy. It is a good draw for us and when you face this type of team I think it is important to be brave and fight in every aspect.

“Manchester City have the quality and capacity to create chances and they have amazing players. It is fantastic for us and we need to grow.”