'Our Performance Was Better' - Pep Guardiola Defends Manchester City After 0-2 Loss to Spurs

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his team's performance in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur was better than the result suggests.

The Spaniard was pleased with the play in the final third, despite the team failing to score, but admitted his players struggled to handle the opposition's press.

The Spurs have become something of a bogey team for Manchester City lately, especially when playing in Manchester. Their 4-0 victory last November was a highlight, bringing their total wins at the Etihad to three in their last five meetings.

In their current encounter against Manchester City, the Spurs' clinical counter-attacking style proved effective, with a key goal from Brennan Johnson initially being ruled offside before VAR correctly overturned the decision.

The home side's troubles were compounded by a mistake from debutant James Trafford, who, unlike the consistently reliable Ederson, appeared less comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Ederson, who has been at the centre of transfer rumors this summer, watched the game from the bench. The blunder from James Trafford gifted Joao Palhinha his first goal for Tottenham just before halftime.

Even with Phil Foden and Rodri returning in the second half, City's attack was a far cry from the creative force that scored four against Wolves last week.

"I had the feeling our performance was better than the result. We started well but conceded a goal, which can happen. With the individual quality we have, we missed simple things with the ball. They scored a second goal at the end of the first half, and it became difficult," Pep Guardiola said after the match.

"We needed a goal and we created chances...There was also a penalty not given for a foul on Oscar Bobb. We had opportunities, but we didn't react well when we were pressed and marked. We need to play differently. In the final third, things were good. However, the result is not good. It's a long road ahead. We will learn our lesson."

Pep Guardiola added that it was only the second match. He explained that in the previous game against Wolves, everyone had said everything was fine, but he had noted that it was just one match and that many things would happen.

In their opening Premier League match, Manchester City claimed a 4-0 victory, with Erling Haaland finding the back of the net twice. Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also scored.

"I know how we work and what the players do. There are many good things, but we need to improve. Step by step, we will improve and build more connections," Guardiola added.

Manchester City now look ahead, gearing up for an encounter against Brighton on August 31, at the American Express Stadium.