Guardiola: It's Better to Have a Point Than Nil After Man City's Draw

Manchester City drew 3-3 with Everton, leaving them five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola said it's better to have a point than none, despite losing control of the title. City conceded three goals in 13 minutes but fought back with goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku. Guardiola praised his team's never-say-die attitude but acknowledged the title is now out of their hands.

Key Points: Guardiola on Man City Draw: Title Race Out of Our Hands

  • Man City draw 3-3 with Everton
  • City trail Arsenal by five points
  • Guardiola praises team's fightback
  • Title race now out of City's hands
2 min read

It's better to have a point than a nil: Gaurdiola on Man City's draw with Everton

Pep Guardiola reflects on Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Everton, losing control of the Premier League title race to Arsenal.

"It's better to have a point than no point. - Pep Guardiola"

Liverpool, May 5

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his team will keep fighting for the Premier League despite losing control of the title race after a 3-3 draw with Everton.

City are now five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand and the Gunners will be crowned champions if they win their final three games.

"It's better to have a point than no point. It would be better to win the game than have the point. Many things happened. We know the difficulty of the opponent, they are incredibly aggressive," Guardiola was quoted by Manchester City website.

Man City led at half-time through Jeremy Doku but then had a hugely damaging 13-minute spell in which they conceded three times to fall 3-1 behind, Thierno Barry scoring twice from the bench either side of a Jake O'Brien goal.

Guardiola's side managed a late comeback, with Erling Haaland scoring immediately after kick-off in the 83rd minute, and Doku then curling in his second goal of the match deep into stoppage time.

"We were there in the first half and exceptional, then in the second half they make a step up. We played with good process but maybe not the intention we had in the first half. We gave away the first goal then from the corner they are so good, David Moyes always is with set-pieces. It was open to transition and we had chances.

We had momentum and two goals, the third was outstanding. We take a point. It was in our hands before this game but now it's not. Prepare for Brentford. We will continue and see what happens," he added.

After a strong first half, Guardiola felt that his side lost momentum but praised the never-say-die attitude of the players.

"When you score and have the momentum, you have to win the game given the situation and how many games we have left. With the long balls they are better, they win free-kicks and throw-ins.

"You make some decisions a little rushed which is normal because of the emotions but at the same time without that emotion you cannot come back. If you give up, you cannot do what we have done," said Guardiola.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Honestly, I feel for City fans. After that dominant first half, to concede three in 13 minutes is shocking. But credit to Doku and Haaland for that late fightback - that's the spirit we want to see! Still, Arsenal have been consistent this season. Might be Arteta's year. 🏆
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Michael C
"It's better to have a point than a nil" - sounds like something my economics professor would say. But in a title race, draws can feel like defeats. City needed to win this one. That second-half collapse against a mid-table Everton side is worrying. Pep needs to rethink his tactics in big moments.
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Rohit P
As a neutral fan, this was entertainment gold! 🎢 From Doku's brilliance to that defensive meltdown, and then the late drama - pure Premier League madness. But let's be honest, City's squad depth is insane. Haaland coming off the bench to score immediately? That's not fair to other teams. Still, Arsenal fans can start dreaming now...
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James A
Look, Guardiola is one of the greatest managers ever, but sometimes he overcomplicates things. Everton played direct, aggressive football and City couldn't handle it. Set-piece vulnerability has been a problem all season. If Arsenal win the league, it will be because they were more consistent, not necessarily better on paper. Fair play to Moyes' Everton though - proper derby performance.
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Kavya N
Honestly? I think this title race is far from over. City have that game in hand and they've come back from worse positions before. Remember 2022?

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