Pep Guardiola steered the actual fact Man Metropolis had much less time restoration time performed a component of their shock defeat to Bournemouth on the Vitality Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson struck to seal a deserved 2-1 victory for the Cherries, who had by no means earlier than overwhelmed the Cherries within the league of their historical past.
Metropolis exited the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday night time, that means they’d three days’ relaxation earlier than the journey south, whereas Bournemouth had double that, having final performed away at Aston Villa the Saturday prior.
Defeat means Guardiola’s aspect dropped to second, two factors behind Liverpool, who got here from behind to beat Brighton 2-1.
“We could not match up the intensity of Bournemouth, who had six or seven days. There was less recovery from the trip from London,” mentioned the Spaniard.
“We talked about that, we needed to improve our duels in that place. They’d possibilities, we created some, particularly on the finish. And we had our momentums, however the lengthy balls, we couldn’t defend them and when that occurs, it’s important to defend so deep.
“The guys gave everything. After nine years together, I know they gave it but not enough to compete against that team in that moment.”
Within the lead-up to the sport, Guardiola had spoken about what number of of his gamers had a 50-50 probability of enjoying, with accidents presently inflicting issues for the reigning Premier League champions.
Neither Savinho nor Kevin De Bruyne made it off the bench, whereas he spoke pre-match about how each Ruben Dias and John Stones had been set for prolonged spells on the sidelines.
“Kyle Walker has trained 16 days and not done a single session. He made an incredible effort,” Guardiola added.
“Yesterday was the first time we trained as a team. Manuel Akanji couldn’t play in the last game because of a niggle. Nathan Ake is in the wars and made an incredible effort.
“It isn’t nearly that, however when you’re in that place it’s important to do extra in focus and win somewhat bit extra.
“We knew Bournemouth have success in this part of the season and it’s well-deserved of them. In other circumstances we could have defended our unbeaten record.”
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Tim Sherwood reacts to Erling Haaland and Phil Foden’s missed possibilities as Man Metropolis misplaced to Bournemouth within the Premier League.
Walker echoed his supervisor’s sentiments when talking to Sky Sports activities on the south coast.
“To come here and not get the win is always disappointing. Sometimes you have to play the game with, I think, emotion,” he mentioned.
“When we’ve had the injuries we’ve got, the amount of time Bournemouth have had – six days – to prepare for this game, sometimes you need to play with your heart.
“The final 10 minutes we got here into it, however going 2-0 down was all the time going to be an uphill battle.
“How Bournemouth attack, with the front three and runners in behind, everything has to be 100 per cent. The quality has to be very good, it’s a different Bournemouth to what we’ve seen in the last couple of years.
“They have self-discipline and organisation. You’ll be able to see that within the outcomes they’ve picked up in latest weeks.
“We’re not using that as an excuse, we had people on the bench and start today who were fit to start. We have to give full credit to Bournemouth and move on to the next one.”
Who’re Man Metropolis presently lacking?
Guardiola claimed his aspect had solely 13 first-team gamers accessible to face Bournemouth after their 2-1 loss at Tottenham within the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Already with out Walker, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku, De Bruyne and Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji was withdrawn forward of kick-off, earlier than Savinho left on a stretcher within the second half in north London.
De Bruyne was an unused sub at Bournemouth
Nonetheless, strolling wounded Walker and Akanji each returned to start out on the Vitality, with Savinho, De Bruyne and Doku solely match sufficient to be substitutes – though solely the latter of that trio made it off the bench.
In the meantime, centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones weren’t concerned within the squad, with Guardiola revealing the pair are actually set for an prolonged spells on the sidelines, that means the Premier League champions are actually with out these key gamers.
