Pep Guardiola‘s side exited the competition after a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park due to Alexander Isak’s 53rd minute finish.
The Blues enjoyed 68% possession, completed 638 passes and had 10 shots on goal but were unable to find a way through the home side’s stubborn defence.
With a rotated side for this midweek clash sandwiched between two Premier League fixtures, Dickov believes there was still plenty of reason for confidence despite the loss.
“We were the much better team in the first half but they got on top of us in the first 20 minutes of the second,” he said during Matchday Live’s post-match analysis.
“I always take the positives and I felt Matheus Nunes was really good when he came on. We saw glimpses of Doku’s ability again too.
“Jack [Grealish] got 90 minutes as he’s coming back from injury and Oscar Bobb was fantastic and got himself 90 minutes too.”
While there were positive showings across the pitch, Dickov did feel City weren’t creative enough in the final third.
Having scored 21 goals already this season, it’s not a regular problem for Guardiola‘s side.
“Pep is learning things all the time,” the former City striker stated.
“The disappointment will be that even with all the possession, I can only really remember Pope making the save off Alvarez in the first half.
“We didn’t really create any clear cut chances for all the possession and fantastic play we had.”
Dickov also reiterated that history suggests City fans shouldn’t be too downhearted with the defeat.
“We went out of the Carabao Cup early last season and won the Treble, so there we go,” he finished.
