Ilkay Gundogan admitted Manchester City lacked energy and were too slow against Arsenal as they bowed out of the FA Cup with a semi-final defeat at an empty Wembley on Saturday.
City started brightly but allowed Arsenal into the game, and the Gunners dealt with everything thrown at them after taking the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on 18 minutes.
Although City were improved after the break, Gundogan conceded that the energy and pace of their performance was not good enough, and they were sloppy in their possession.
"It was not good enough today to go to the final," he said, via ManCity.com, as he admitted Arsenal wanted to reach the final more than the Blues.
"The energy we had in the second half was ... the one we needed in the beginning. Sometimes, things like that happen.
"One very bad half is enough to lose the game. We looked like Arsenal wanted it more, which is the most frustrating thing."
Reflecting on the message given by manager Pep Guardiola at half time, Gundogan said the players were disappointed with their first 45 minutes and improved after the break.
He continued: "We were frustrated and disappointed with the first half result. We had two good chances in the beginning when we won the ball in front of their goal but after that, we stopped playing.
"We were sloppy and slow with a lack of energy.
"At half-time, the manager and also the team said to each other that it was not enough - we needed more energy and rhythm to create chances.
"The energy was good. Still, maybe we struggled a little bit to create clear chances. Although we had good shots, the second goal killed the game and made the result today."
