Guardiola calm, says ‘delighted’ with side’s display despite first defeat

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was “delighted” with his side’s performance despite a first Premier League defeat of the season in a 2-0 loss at Chelsea on Saturday.

City dominated possession early on at Stamford Bridge, but could not find a way through a well-organised Chelsea defence and were hit on the break just before half-time as N’Golo Kante netted Chelsea’s first shot at goal.

David Luiz’s header in the second half sealed City’s first Premier League defeat since April as they were knocked off the summit by unbeaten Liverpool.

Guardiola, however, still liked what he saw, believing Chelsea simply took their chances at key moments.

“The way we played in the first half was incredible,” Guardiola said. “They had minimum chances and scored and in the second half we were there until the end.

“If they have one chance they will score one goal because the opponents are so good and determined.

“That is what’s going to happen in the future on the biggest stages but the way we played today was incredible. I’m delighted. We were outstanding except for five to eight minutes.

“We try to be champion. Everyone wants to beat us. Now it is recovery for the Champions League.”

Chelsea, second only to City in terms of average possession per match in the Premier League this season, were happy to absorb City’s pressure in the first half.

Despite having over 62 percent possession, City mustered just one shot on target before the interval, and were forced to chase the game in the second after Kante’s goal.

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