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'We struggled a little bit' | Guardiola on Palace stalemate


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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says his side couldn't have done anymore to win their clash with Crystal Palace last night. 

The Premier League leaders extended their lead to four points, but were held to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

It means Liverpool could close the gap to a single point tomorrow, if they beat Arsenal in their game in hand.

The result was also the second time City failed to beat Palace this season, after they lost the first encounter between the sides in October.

"Luck doesn't exist in football," Guardiola said after his side failed to break the deadlock in London.

"We have to score goals and we didn't do it. We played to score goals and concede few. We struggled a little bit.

"We play a really good game. In 90 minutes we concede mistakes a little bit, but the way we played was really good."

The Spaniard drew some criticism for his failure to make a substitution, particularly in the latter stages as the visitors pushed for what would have been a decisive goal.

When asked whether it was a mistake not to introduce fresh legs, Guardiola insisted he made the right call in sticking with the starting 11.

"We didn't score, that was the mistake.

"We played to win the game. We created more, we conceded few, The stats are there.

"The way we played was amazing in a difficult stadium - with the grass not perfect. We were there all the time so we did a good game."

"The guys who were playing were playing good, that's why I didn't make changes," he continued.

"The team that was there today was there before and will be there in the next game.

"I am very pleased with the performance and the way we played."

Manchester City and Liverpool meet in the league on the 10th of April.


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Crystal Palace Football Liverpool Manchester City Pep Guardiola Premier League

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