Pep Guardiola believes that Southampton are “the most effective within the Premier League” at defending with the ball. 

Manchester Metropolis narrowly defeated the Saints at Eastlands on Saturday afternoon due to an early Erling Haaland objective, however couldn’t construct on their lead regardless of takng 22 photographs and creating 4 large possibilities.

“The best way they performed, they’re so demanding. They defend with the ball. You possibly can defend with the ball and they’re actually good, the most effective within the Premier League,” Guardiola informed BBC Match of the Day.

“They didn’t create many possibilities, however we created lots however sadly we couldn’t rating the second.

“Large credit score to them, it was not as a result of we had been sloppy or flat. I don’t have that feeling. I believe we had been there and generally they’re good. We have now to simply accept that.”

Haaland had quite a lot of possibilities contained in the six-yard field, however Guardiola had sympathy for the Norwegian over the remedy he was getting from the Southampton defenders.

“It’s not simple for him as a result of each cross is a penalty for Erling – the way in which they pull him,” he stated. “We create extra however we couldn’t rating the second, however Erling is a assure for us.”

Guardiola picked out Savinho and Matheus Nunes for reward. “Actually good,” he stated. “Savinho was creating all the possibilities, proper to left. I might say actually good.

“And Matheus just isn’t ready that’s not his pure place once more so offensively and defensively, make one other help. He performed actually good.”

Mateo Kovacic as soon as once more stuffed in for Rodri in a deep midfield position. “He’s a unimaginable man and participant. We miss Rodri lots this season, he’s such an essential participant. On the identical time now we have to proceed to do it.”

See Additionally – 5 of probably the most improved gamers within the Premier League this season

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