JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola admits fans will never see "Manchester City for so long" again this season. He promised they would return to their best form after beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Thursday, February 27, 2025, early morning WIB.
Erling Haaland's 20th goal in the Premier League this season in the 12th minute was enough to secure a win that brought The Citizens up to fourth in the standings.
Manchester City performed outstanding in the first half and should have widened their lead as Tottenham struggled to contain Haaland backed by Jeremy Doku and SAVinho on the wing with Omar Marmoush on the back.
Spurs rose after the break. After Haaland's goal in injury time was ruled out by handball, substitute Pape Matar Sarr missed a golden opportunity to equalize at the last second when his header bounced over the crossbar from close range.
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Seeing the game, Guardiola emphasized that now there will be no appearances like his old team, which always win after difficult times.
"This season will never be like the old Manchester City. The old Manchester City are too good. However, we will come back," Guardiola said shaking his head.
"We have a very young team. The three players ahead are the future. Nico (Gonzalez), when Rodri returns, will be the future."
"Of course, (Abdukodir) Khusanov, you saw him today. Josko (Gvardiol) is still young. So, yes, there are several areas."
"But listen, Bernardo (Silva), (Ilkay) Gundogan, Kevin (De Bruyne), the others -- they are very important to us -- but of course it's just a matter of time."
"We have seen this season, young players and new acquisitions may be made by the club in the summer--in the next transfer window--must lead the club for the next few years," said the coach again.
Apart from that, Haaland voiced his frustration when his second goal was disallowed after referee Jarred Gillett ruled that the forward touched the ball with his arm. The decision was passed after a long VAR check.
"That's because he (Glicket) made the decision on the pitch that it was a free kick," Haaland said.
"I don't think so, it's obviously a big mistake, but we humans, we make mistakes."
"It was a great goal and I don't think it's handball. However, what we can do, we win, I'm happy," said the Norwegian striker.
Victory over Tottenham Hotspur is very important for Manchester City, where Guardiola insists his current focus is to bring the Premier League to finish in the top four for next season's Champions League tickets.
Next, The Citizens will try out another remaining trophy win this season against Playmouth Argyle in the FA Cup Fifth Round, Sunday, March 2, 2025.
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