“We modified to make the gamers extra dynamic, with Rayan, Jeremy [Doku] and Phil [Foden],” Guardiola informed his post-match information convention. “However we couldn’t win the sport.
“We could possibly be extra aggressive within the first half possibly, however with the creativity, the crosses and dribbles this season, we’re struggling. The crew, they did every little thing, however they have to be higher within the remaining third, and it has occurred in lots of video games this season.”
Requested about choosing Semenyo over Cherki as quantity 10, he mentioned: “Completely, for that position there’s no-one higher than [Cherki]. That’s unhealthy choice, you may criticise me, I deserve it.
“Generally for the steadiness, we’re studying. We performed Cherki and Haaland – unbelievable, however we wouldn’t have the steadiness groups within the Premier League will need to have. I attempt to deal with that, and the crew remains to be rising.
“Rayan’s influence off the bench is unbelievable, however generally he doesn’t have the tempo so we play Semenyo. I’m nonetheless discovering one of the simplest ways to have stability and to steadiness the crew.”
Haaland’s kind is thrown into sharp focus by the actual fact he struggled towards West Ham, a crew towards who he has scored 11 Premier League objectives – greater than another facet.
“It isn’t in regards to the lack of objectives,” Guardiola mentioned of the Norway striker. “We have to create extra. He might be again.”
Metropolis can’t win properly, and so they wrestle to win ugly too.
They’ve solely misplaced as soon as of their previous 18 league matches, however throughout that interval they’ve given up 10 factors from successful positions – sufficient to value them first place within the present standings.
In video games the place they have been successful, they’ve drawn with Chelsea, Brighton, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and now West Ham.
Given the latter got here a few hours after Arsenal, starring Max Dowman, spectacularly dug out victory over Everton, this one will sting.
Guardiola laughed it off afterwards, saying he had been having a beer pre-match fairly than following the Arsenal match together with his crew, as he served a touchline ban.
He additionally joked he would look to get extra yellow playing cards as he most popular the view from the stands – and light-heartedly batted away a query on whether or not Haaland was limping.
It felt like if Guardiola did not giggle, he would cry.
