The defending champions were denied a 13th consecutive victory at St Mary’s, where Aymeric Laporte’s header rescued a point after Kyle Walker-Peters’ fine opener.
City dominated the contest, but Southampton held on to claim a point against the league leaders and Guardiola says their spirited and stubborn display proves how difficult it is to be successful in England’s top tier.
“Definitely,” he said when asked if the result was evidence of the Premier League’s strength in depth.
“It’s so difficult, with different contenders and everyone is ready to beat you because we are the reigning champions and we won a lot in the past.
“That’s why it’s always more difficult to win and win again. I know how difficult it is, but I don’t need to win or draw or lose today to know that.
“We still have a lot of games to play. What we have to try to do is play and behave the way we did today.”
Watch his post-match press conference in the video above.
