Pep Guardiola says Manchester City won a final by beating Liverpool to stay in Premier League title race

City cut the gap at the top to four points and ended Liverpool's undefeated run

Pep Guardiola said his Manchester City won “a final” in beating Liverpool 2-1 at the Etihad to cut the gap at the top of the Premier League to four points, but said it was the culmination everything they’ve been trying to do for 16 months.

After so much discussion about how Jurgen Klopp’s side just knew how to beat the champions, and a lot of criticism after losing three of their previous five, Guardiola seemed to want to make a point in insisting that his team beat Liverpool by playing their way.

“Today they show how good they are, they play against an incredible team,” the Catalan said. “It was a good spectacle and both team play to win. It was a final for us because lose and it was almost over. Now is tight again. Now rest and relax.”

There was anything but relaxation around City following three defeats in five games, but that resolve could be seen in the win over Liverpool.

“I am not going to judge what you think about those defeats. What happened in two games cannot cancel what we did in 16 months. I see them every day and in that bad moments, they try so the effort today. Sergio [Aguero] runs and Bernardo [Silva] I don’t know what this guy today. [Aymeric] Laporte play in a different position and against [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane he make an incredible effort in a position that is not usual to him, the opponents are incredibly good so it is nice.

“Today I had the feeling we tried to do what we do in 16 months. That is my feeling. Maybe I am wrong.”

Jurgen Klopp had been critical of the decision to merely book Vincent Kompany rather than send him off for a rash challenge on Salah when the score was 0-0, but Guardiola naturally defended his player.

“I admire the people who do everything for the team, even in play in position they are not comfortable. He make an incredible performance. In that position with Salah, with Mane, it is not easy. These guys destroy all the opponents. They controlled quite well. Vinnie and John they were quite solid. Playing Liverpool so high like we play we are not going to not concede chances but we had many chances to kill the game.”