Pep Guardiola admits Liverpool’s front four caused Manchester City problems but believes both teams will take encouragement from their stalemate.
The two main favourites for the Premier League table fought out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad on Sunday.
Liverpool – who started with Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in attack – took the lead in the 13th minute through Salah’s penalty, only for Gabriel Jesus to equalise shortly after the half-hour.
Kevin De Bruyne missed a penalty before the break but Guardiola had no qualms with the final score.
“It was a tight game,” said the City boss. “They start really well, they found space between the lines and runs in behind.
“It is not easy because they are so fast today with four players.
“After the goal we conceded, we were much better, we equalised and the second half was much better.
“We had a clear chance with Gabriel, but there were not many chances. It speaks well for both sides.
“Every team wants three points but one point is one point. We are drawing too much (at the moment) but in general I think it is a fair result.
“How happy am I? A lot, maybe happier than ever. In 12 games we have lost one in all competitions.”
Guardiola, though, was unhappy with his team’s defending for Liverpool’s penalty, with Kyle Walker caught out by a burst from Sadio Mane and upending the Senegalese.
“We concede three penalties (this season), today we concede one because we didn’t learn,” he said.
