Guardiola Praises City’s Stunning Display in Chelsea Showdown — Even in a 1-1 Draw
4 January 2026
City’s Exceptional Display Falls Short in Chelsea Stalemate
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his side produced an exceptional display against Chelsea, even as the result told a different story.
City dropped two more points in the title race after a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League matchday 20.
Guardiola told BBC after the game: 'I don't agree with the idea that City lost control; we conceded a late goal, that's why we analyse the result now rather than praising us'.
Of course they pressed more, chances were created as we conceded two in the start of second half; if you think they changed the game, well, you know better.
Chelsea are world champions; they have top-class players; tough to control for 90 minutes.
He added: 'We missed chances in the second half—four or five for sure, two-on-one or three-on-two; our talented players tried to end the game but couldn't'.
He continued: 'When we look at all the statistics on attacking third efficiency, overall our defence, movements and play were exceptional'.
Regarding the six-point gap to Arsenal, 'We will get the players back and see what happens on Wednesday'.
The draw leaves City on 42 points, six behind leaders Arsenal; Chelsea on 31 in fifth.
Punchline: If City keep drawing, at least the plot thickens—and the postgame interviews stay deliciously dramatic.
Punchline: Pep must be a magician—now you see the lead, now you don’t, and somehow the crowd still applauds.
