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In this round of the Premier League, Manchester City secured a dramatic 3-3 draw with Everton. Following the match, Pep Guardiola attended the post-game press conference.
Q: Do you feel good about getting this point with such a late goal, or frustrated about losing the advantage after being in the lead?
Guardiola: “One point is better than zero, but what we needed was a win. A lot happened in the game. Considering how tough the opponent was and their amazing, highly aggressive style of play, I think we held our own. We played calmly, and the first half was excellent. Then they stepped up the intensity in the second half. Our build-up was still good, but perhaps not with the same intent as the first half.”
“And then we gave away possession, conceded the first goal, and that corner which wasn't a corner—they're very good at capitalizing on those situations. David Moyes' teams have always been very, very good at set pieces. After that, the game opened up. They had chances on some transitions, and we seized the momentum to score a wonderful third goal.”
“All three goals were outstanding, and we took a point. I know that before this match, the destiny was in our own hands, and now it depends on... But the responsibility is to stay clear-headed, grit our teeth and keep going, then see what happens next.”
Q: Between them equalizing and us scoring the third goal, the game got a bit out of control. How can the team do better in those situations to prevent losing control?
Guardiola: “When you equalize, there's definitely momentum. We know how many league games are left, and we have to win. Then they kept pressing, using long balls to launch some transitions, with Beto and Thierry Barry competing upfront, and contesting second balls—they won some duels, creating threats from set pieces, corners, and throw-ins.”
“Of course, in those moments your decision-making can be a bit hasty, but that's normal because emotions are running high. But equally, without that emotion, you can't mount a comeback, can't score goals. If you really choose to give up, thinking 'it's over, it's over,' then you can't do what we did tonight.”
Q: We saw several individual mistakes, which is unusual for this team. I think the most obvious one was the mistake by Guéhi that led to a goal. To what extent do you think the pressure of having to win this game affected the players on the pitch?
Guardiola: “Judging by our style of play, especially our first-half performance and the comeback, no—all of us, we're experienced enough to know what to do. This stadium is never easy to play at, and Everton are never easy to play against.”
“They've had a really excellent season, and I think they defend very well. There's always a defender or someone nearby covering tightly, they line up six or seven men near the byline to defend crosses, James Tarkowski never gives you an inch of space to shoot, those gaps are always closed. The spaces between center-backs and full-backs are always occupied by dropping midfielders, and they defend one-on-one duels very well too.”
“Then they wait for opportunities, using incredible long passes, contesting second balls... They always manage to get the ball into those areas, which says a lot in itself except for one chance in the first half. I have the highest respect for my players—facing eight or nine men parked at the back is never easy. Even so, we still managed to get into position in time and create chances, maybe the final pass is something we haven't done well in the last few games. But in the second half, of course, in these games when you're leading by one goal away from home in the Premier League, they suddenly step up their one-on-one intensity.”
“And for the full ninety minutes, they were in that type of game state, so some momentum swings are normal. Even in that situation, we still managed to score two goals, then mount a comeback.”
Q: It's understandable that your players are a bit frustrated and disappointed. What did you say to them to keep them on track for the title race? After all, you have to win.
Guardiola: “I told them how good they are, how hard they fought from start to finish. Then it's Brentford, win that, then Crystal Palace and the FA Cup final—one game at a time, for everyone. Because the players who came on from the bench also made very, very good contributions. Then we'll see what happens next.”
Q: Obviously this match was significant because you dropped points. How do you convey the message that more effort is needed, to be better than you have been so far?
Guardiola: “More effort isn't possible. The message is the same as before. There were five games left, now four, lose the final, win the games. Same message, we fight for that. Even though it's difficult for many, many reasons, we still do it.”
Q: If you hadn't scored that last-minute goal, Arsenal could have drawn any of their last three games and still won the title. How important do you think this is in putting pressure on them to win all three matches?
Guardiola: “We have to win our own games. So now the initiative is in our hands. If they win all their games, the title will be Arsenal's. So what we have to do is win the next one, recover physically, then handle a series of intensive fixtures every three days, three days, three days. That's what we must do.”
Q: Jeremy Doku scored two wonderful goals today, that curling shot into the top right corner—he's done this multiple times this season. His performance was dazzling. How do you assess his display today?
Guardiola: “He's taken his game to another level in this aspect. With such belief, he's starting to become a decisive player in key matches. Of course, his stats and effectiveness have always been amazing. In the final third, I let them play freely. They need, you know, two or three defenders to mark him, which then creates space in other positions. Maybe we did lack the final pass tonight, but we've managed to penetrate into good positions many times in games like this.”
“Even in the second half today, we started well. The first attack created a corner, we got into position, Bernardo Silva's shot deflected and created danger. The ball came to Nico, and we were right there. Then we gave away possession two or three times, and it looked like: what's happening? You can indeed lose possession two or three times, that's nothing. After conceding, the momentum they have in Premier League games kicks in, and our situation arises. But in the end, we completed the comeback.”