Pep Guardiola joked on Friday that he and Fulham boss Marco Silva deserved a bottle of wine for their thrilling nine-goal performance, but admitted Manchester City must strengthen their defence.
Second-placed Manchester City led 5-1 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday but held on as the home side pushed for an equalizer.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described the game, which ended 5-4, as “one of the games of the season”.
“If I were watching that game at home I wouldn’t change the channel,” he said on the eve of his team’s clash with Sunderland.
“I’m pretty sure the broadcasters were happy with us. They thought about Marco and myself and gave me a bottle of wine for all of us. No, I’m not kidding. The broadcasters must be happy.”
Manchester City, who were replaced by Liverpool last season, conceded 16 goals in the league, nine more than leader Arsenal.
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Guardiola admitted his side must improve at the back but said at least they didn’t miss many clear chances.
“Of course I don’t like conceding two goals (in the 3-2 win over Leeds) and four goals (against Fulham) – six goals in two games – but at the same time we are the team that scores the most goals and we have to build on that,” he said.
“We have to address these issues. I believe we can do better, we create chances and score goals because we have built a team for that… but we have to be more determined. It belongs to everyone, not just the goalkeeper or the defender.”
Guardiola said Sunderland, who are sixth in the standings in their first season back in the Premier League, will be a tough opponent.
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“They should stay where they are,” he said. “When you advance and you perform well in five games, well, momentum. It can happen.
“But in 14 games in the Premier League, everyone has been tested in this position and they deserve it.”
Guardiola said midfielder Rodri has been battling a hamstring injury and will be unavailable against Sunderland.
“He’s getting better,” the City boss said. “I don’t know how long it will be (until he comes back), but he’ll be ready.”
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