Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City struggled to cope with West Bromwich Albion’s organisation and directness during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, while speaking to City’s website.
Although much of the post-match autopsy focused on yet another drab performance from a City side who used to tear apart the opposition like soggy tissue paper, it is about time the Baggies got the credit they deserved.
Yes, Slaven Bilic’s struggling side spent most of the match with their backs pinned against the wall, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone making two truly exceptional stops right at the death to deny Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling.
But West Brom deserve huge credit for retaining their concentration throughout 90 punishing minutes, all the while posing a threat on the counter.
“We struggled for this game with the long balls and the second balls,” Guardiola said.
“Ten players defending, it is not easy.”
While Karlan Grant struggled once again in attack, missing a glorious chance at 0-0, another big-money signing produced arguably his finest Premier League performance in West Brom colours.
Grady Diangana was a thorn in City’s side with his direct dribbling and, on the opposition flank, Matt Phillips’ seemingly endless energy reserves posed an issue for the hosts too.
“They attacked on our left side and we could not control it with Benjamin [Mendy] and Phil [Foden],” Guardiola added.
Gundogan scored a 30th-minute opener but, after Semi Ajayi’s strike deflected in off Ruben Dias, the German missed perhaps City’s best chance for a winner as his last-gasp header was brilliantly kept out by Johnstone.
“They defend so deep. They do it well and they play with all they have, they fight for every ball,” the Germany international said.
“It’s not easy to create chances but we did – we just couldn’t score more than one goal.”
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