City dominated proceedings at the Etihad Stadium, where we enjoyed 77% of possession and created 26 chances, but were forced to settle for a point after Ruben Dias’ own goal cancelled out Ilkay Gundogan’s opener.
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West Brom were resolute in defence and were indebted to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who made a string of fine saves in the closing stages to leave Guardiola rueing his side’s misfortune in front of goal.
“You have to win these games and we could not do it,” he said.
“We had the chances, but unfortunately we were not able to score goals, especially in the last four or five actions that we had.
“That is the reality. We are able to control a lot. We are conceding minimum [chances].
“[There was] one good save from Ederson and the deflected goal, but no more than this.
“We were better in every department. We are creating, but we cannot do it.”
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For all the Baggies were difficult to breakdown, City could have taken all three points after laying siege on Johnstone’s goal in a frantic finale.
The visiting keeper made two brilliant stops from Gundogan and Raheem Sterling, both of whom might feel they should have scored, whilst the former was inches away from netting a winner with a curling free-kick.
Despite being made to wait until the dying minutes for his team’s best period, Guardiola refuted the suggestion his players needed to have started the game stronger.
“The players are there,” he added. “We scored a goal.
“We struggled for this game with the long balls and the second balls.
“They attacked on our left side and we could not control it with Benjamin [Mendy] and Phil [Foden].
“Sometimes you need patience and we tried to find it but it’s not easy. The second half was better but we could not score.
“Ten players defending, it is not easy.”
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