Despite the draw increasing the gap from the leading "Arsenal" to four points in the Premier League title race, Guardiola was pleased with his team's performance. This was the first match in ten where the "Citizens" failed to score, and they also lost players Nico Gonzalez and Savinho due to injuries.
After the match, the coach noted that the team played well, especially in the second half. "We earned one point, and the second half was outstanding," Guardiola said in an interview with Sky Sports. "Although we couldn't convert our chances, we created many opportunities against a strong and physically powerful opponent. The season is not over yet, and we will continue to fight."
In the first half, "City" faced difficulties due to the high pressing from "Sunderland," and Bernardo Silva's goal was disallowed. After the break, the team became more active: Savinho missed two chances, Phil Foden shot from the goal line, and Tijjani Reijnders failed to convert his moment in stoppage time.
City's captain Bernardo Silva expressed dissatisfaction with the result: "We expected more," he said. "In the second half, we had plenty of chances, but it was one of those days when the ball just wouldn't go in."
Although the draw was a loss of points for "Manchester City" in their title challenge, Guardiola's confidence suggests that the reigning champions still consider themselves serious contenders for the championship.
