Pep talk at break inspired Aguero
can improve.” However, the City manager was delighted with the display from his side, particularly in the second half.
“We spoke at half-time that we could play better and we were much better with the goal from Aguero after five minutes of the half,” added Guardiola.
“It was difficult, they defended so deep and they are aggressive, they follow man to man. But after 2-1 we reacted well, we didn’t concede and step by step we regained our game.”
Guardiola denied the three points had any added significance given the opposition.
“City right now, Liverpool and Chelsea and even Arsenal and Tottenham, they all have numbers to be champions,” said Guardiola.
“But last season we didn’t get points in Anfield. This year we drew. Last season we lost here against United. Now we have won. So it is good.”
Jose Mourinho refused to admit defeat had sunk their title bid.
“The performance of my team was one with mistakes, but that is different from a bad performance. We are improving, we are together and we go together until the end,” he said.
“We are outside the top four, so how can we speak about the title? Let’s fight to close the gap to jump into the top four.”
Mourinho felt three away games in a week had taken their toll.
But he refused to blame the absence of Paul Pogba for the loss.
“He’s important for us in many aspects but I don’t like to speak about particular players after we lose,” said Mourinho.
“We had to play Marouane Fellaini when he was not ready for the 90 minutes. But I can imagine, when the result was 2-1, to bring a fresh Fellaini [off the bench] they would be in big trouble.”