EPL: They’re so demanding – Guardiola names best that can defend with ball

Forum 3 days ago

EPL: They’re so demanding – Guardiola names best that can defend with ball

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has identified Southampton as one of the best teams in the Premier League when it comes to defending the with the ball.

Guardiola said this while praising the Saints following his side’s Premier League 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Recall that Erling Haaland’s first half goal gave City all three points against Southampton.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Guardiola said the visitors are so demanding, adding that they are good at it.

“The way they played, they are so demanding. They defend with the ball,” the Spaniard said.

“You can defend with the ball and they are really good at it, one of the best in the Premier League.

‘They didn’t create many chances, but we created a lot. Unfortunately we could not score the second. Big credit to them – it wasn’t because we were sloppy or flat, I don’t have that feeling. We have to accept that.”