Pep Guardiola didn't like what Southampton forced Man City to do - but he has no regrets

Pep Guardiola spent most of his post-match analysis on Saturday singing the praises of Southampton and Russell Martin.

Manchester City had just beaten Saints to move top of the Premier League, but couldn't find a killer second goal to make the win safe after Erling Haaland's early opener. Despite struggling in the relegation zone, Southampton were brave and had chances to score, even recording more possession than City in the first half.

They would end the game with just 42 per cent of the ball, showing City's dominance in the second half without scoring. But that didn't stop Guardiola raving about Southampton's performance and how they forced his side to run far more than he would like.

ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Southampton with three 8/10s as Erling Haaland scores

ALSO READ: What Bernardo Silva did at full time speaks volumes in strange Man City win over Southampton

"If they had more possession it's because they are good," he said. "If Erling didn't run or Matheus, Savio, Phil, Kova, Bernie [that is a problem]. But we run incredible today. We don't like it - but it's not because we were bad. It's because they were good.

"When it happens, accept it and learn. Maybe in the future we can use it. As a manager I learn a lot from opponents. What they do, 'that is a good idea', why do you apply it?

"It's not easy, but we create enough chances to win better. I like to win in that way, it proves in the last two games against Wolves and Southampton who right now are bottom of the league. Look how difficult it was. When people say in the Premier League everyone can beat everyone, that is the truth.

"Every game is a battle, is so difficult. Any complaints or regret about my team? When the opponent is good you have to accept it. This is what happened."

In another interview, he added: "Their build-up is exceptional. They open the channels. They link well with the striker and every moment makes sense. I knew after what people had said to me about Russell [Martin] and we tasted it today. The players were not bad, they were good. When a team plays that level you have to accept it.

"Important thing is being there. We created chances, as always Erling [Haaland] had two or three clear ones. But I'm not concerned, it's important to have 23 points now."