Man City boss Pep Guardiola pays classy tribute to West Ham after penalty defeat
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to opponents West Ham after his side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties last night.
City were aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, which they have won for the past four seasons.
But after a 0-0 draw at the London Stadium, Phil Foden’s miss from 12 yards proved crucial in a 5-3 defeat on penalties.
Guardiola’s side were unbeaten in 21 games in the competition going into the tie against David Moyes’ team yet they could not extend their remarkable run on Wednesday night.
The visitors had 64 per cent of the ball and 25 attempts on goal, but it ultimately came down to spot-kicks, with Said Benrahma scoring the decisive fifth for the Hammers after Foden had put his wide earlier on.
West Ham have now knocked out both Man City and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and Guardiola was full of praise for Moyes’ side.
“Congratulations to West Ham for their qualification,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“One of the toughest games we played at home last season was against them.
“They are doing well in the Premier League and in the Europa League and now in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
“Fantastic team and fantastic manager.”
Which side is now favourites to win the Carabao Cup? Have your say in the comments section below.
City’s dominance in the Carabao Cup since 2016 has been remarkable, with the team unbeaten in 1,827 days in the competition before Wednesday’s result, but there is now guaranteed to be a different name on the trophy.
"It's been an incredible run," Guardiola added.
"On penalties they were better, congratulations to West Ham and we'll be back next year.
"Unfortunately Phil missed it, but it's experience and when you get this kind of experience, next time he will be better."
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West Ham have now won four successive games in all competitions without conceding a goal and they were roared on by a sell-out crowd against Man City.
Guardiola opted to make nine changes to his starting line-up, but West Ham assistant manager Stuart Pearce was under no illusions about how difficult the task would be for his side.
“This is an outstanding Manchester City side who showed respect to our football club,” he said.
“Our resilience and defensive work when they had the majority of possession was good and what we did with the ball trying to play against their press was pleasing.”
West Ham will find out their opponents in the draw, which takes place at 10.30am on Saturday ahead of their trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
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